The Gunners manager has launched to the defense of the German international who has been in indifferent form since the beginning of the season.
While talking to reporters, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger leapt to the defense of German international, Per Mertesacker whose form has been rather patchy since the beginning of the Barclays Premier League campaign.
Following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield, Jamie Redknapp and Ian Wright condemned the German international for backing out of a challenge that resulted in Martin Skrtel scoring an injury time equalizer.
However, Wenger has come to the aid of his player, stating that even if Mertesacker had not backed out of the challenge, the result would have been similar.
“I don’t know [why he ducked]. Maybe because he sees he hasn’t got the ball and somebody jumps over him and it’s a reflex. But I don’t think he could have got the ball,” Wenger said.
The Frenchman then stated that after a difficult start to the campaign, the defender is looking much sharper and backed him to turn things around.
And Wenger also added that the return of Laurent Koscielny is going to bring back stability to the defense as the team gears up for what is a very tight fixture list following Christmas.
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