Per Mertesacker

Published: 16 January, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

PER Mertesacker has sent out a warning to any teams looking to knock Arsenal off of top spot in the Premier League; we will respond to any challenge you throw at us!

The Gunners will be favourites to stretch their winning streak to six games on Saturday when struggling London rivals Fulham visit the Emirates Stadium.

On Monday Arsene Wenger’s side went into their game away at Aston Villa knowing that all their title rivals had already won. Mertesacker (pictured) insists that by securing a 2-1 victory at Villa Park Arsenal proved once and for all that they can handle the pressure of being genuine title contenders.

“It was very important to respond and for the other teams to see that Arsenal is alive and that we can respond to anything,” the towering centre-back said.

“We just look at ourselves and think we are good enough to respond to any challenge they give us. “It is really tight at the top. At the moment, there is no chance to drop any points.

“We have to show the other teams that when we feel the pressure we can respond. That is vital so I’m really happy with our fighting performance.”

Mertesacker, who made his 100th appearance for Arsenal during the 2-1 win over Villa, added that personal milestones are secondary to the team’s performance.

“We’re in a fine way and want to keep going. It is not too important that a single player got his century,” he said.