Garth Crooks on Big Per Mertesacker

[Dutch Gooner]

I'm not sure to what extent Steve Bould's presence in the Arsenal first-team set-up has to do with Arsenal's fine defensive record this season but Mertesacker's form against Liverpool was central to the Gunners' excellent performance.

Did you know? Since the start of last season, Arsenal have conceded 0.6 goals per game when both Thomas Vermaelen and Mertesacker have started, compared to 1.5 per game when either has been absent.

[Death]

[Dutch Gooner]

means he will play second fiddle, which would be a shame since he is top quality

[JJSB]

[Mack]

Those goals don't count as far as I'm concerned.

[Billy Goat Sverige]

the goal of course.

[PSRB]

but 3 clean sheets says this pairing works

['Neg]

[JJSB]

[Classic Jorge]

[Death]

[Wilsheres Clockwork Toy]

Doesn't bomb forward like he use to. Good problem to have, 3 good central defenders.

[The Yield]

['Neg]

[Red N White Army]

[Red N White Army]

[Death]

[Mack]

[Wilsheres Clockwork Toy]

[PSRB]

[Wilsheres Clockwork Toy]

still has an error in him somewhere it seems.

[PSRB]

Bloody awful they were

[Red N White Army]

[Wilsheres Clockwork Toy]

[Bergkamp's Brain]

they will be next

[Wilsheres Clockwork Toy]

Considering his height. Guess we had a glimpse of that with the open header.

[Maravilloso Marvo]