Arsenal must improve defensively

Per Mertesacker has warned his Arsenal team-mates that they must tighten up on their defence if they are to challenge for silverware this season.



Having begun the season with three successive clean sheets in the league, the Gunners have now conceded in their last five after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Norwich at Carrow Road.



Former Arsenal defender Steve Bould, who was part of the formidable back four alongside Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon in the 1990s, has replaced Pat Rice as assistant manager this season, with the view to shoring up the Gunners' backline.



But despite allowing West Ham and Norwich through in back-to-back matches, Mertesacker believes Bould's influence has seen a shift in attitude towards defence.



"He was a good defender and he is very very focused on details," Mertesacker told ESPN. "More on the defence but the defence means the whole XI, it is not only the back four or the centre backs, he is focused on our defensive game, in total.



"We have good combinations and passing sessions in our game but if we lose the ball we have to switch on straight after and quickly so we have to make sure the defence is one of the most vital things in the game."

Mertesacker proud of Gunners team-mates

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says he was delighted to see club team-mate Theo Walcott score for England against Sweden at Euro 2012.



The centre-back, who is in the Germany squad for Euro 2012, also expressed his pleasure at the progress of fellow Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.



"I'm very pleased for Theo and Alex. They were both in and out of the team, but then Theo scored and it was a special moment - it always is when you have to wait for your chance and then play like that," he said.



"He showed that he's a great player, having had a great season for Arsenal. I think it's a great thing when you are not in the starting line-up but are able to show your full strength and take your opportunity. He showed that he is very confident."



The 27-year-old also praised Arsenal-bound Lukas Podolski, who opened the scoring for Germany against Denmark on his 100th appearance for the country.



"Sometimes I have a good feeling about players," Mertesacker said.



"Lukas showed that he can be a good defensive player but also a good goalscorer - and with his right foot too. It's very good to have him in the squad because he's a striker who is always dangerous in every position on the pitch."



Mertesacker went on to sympathise with fellow centre-back Laurent Koscielny, who has yet to play a minute of action for France at this year's tournament.



"I'm very happy to see a lot of the players doing well, but I would like to see Laurent play for France too," he added. "I think we are in the same situation - not playing at the moment and having to be ready for our chance," he said.