Per Mertesacker has paid tribute to Arsenal's fine defensive performances this season

Per Mertesacker acknowledges that it is important for Arsenal to maintain the high defensive standards they have set this season.

Mertesacker believes strength in depth has aided Arsenal's cause this season and sees squad rotation as a good thing. "The manager told us before the start of the season that we have a lot of good centre-backs and is convinced we can make the team stronger and stronger because we have a lot of those good players in every position," he added. "The manager said he would change sometimes and I think that's great for our development."