Published: 20 September, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

WITH Sunday’s titanic Premier League clash against Manchester City looming, defensive giant Per Mertesacker has warned rivals that Arsenal will only continue to get better this season.

The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium looking to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign, a run that has seen them net three wins on the spin and concede just twice along the way.

On Tuesday Arsene Wenger’s side showed their strength once again as they came from a goal down to beat Montpellier 2-1 away in their opening Champions League fixture.

Mertesacker believes the resilience Arsenal displayed to hold off the resurgent French side proves they are growing in maturity, and shows just why they will go into Sunday’s game against the champions full of confidence.

“We are convinced that we can stay in the league, at the top, and that’s our target for Sunday,” said the towering 6ft 6ins centre- back. “Last year we lost at Man City. It was a very tight game so we will try to do better this time.

“I feel like we are in a better shape than last year, because we are now in a good shape from the beginning of the season.

“I think we are well prepared now. Especially in the last year I think we’ve matured and we’re getting better this season,” he added.

One man being heavily credited for Arsenal’s new-found defensive solidity is new assistant manager and club stalwart Steve Bould. Reflecting on the improvements the side has shown at the back Bould said; “Any coach will tell you it is about being good players and we have got some good players who want to work. So far, so good.

“Everybody has spoken about myself but Neil Banfield gets missed and he does a great job too. There are a lot of good coaches, there are great players and everybody is working hard.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s mouthwatering clash, Bould added: “Of course, it is a tough test. We certainly go in there with a bit of confidence, with everybody believing.

“But it is a proper test and that is where we want to be. Hopefully we can come through the other side and say we have done OK again. Everybody is fine, touch wood. Things are looking quite bright.”