Wenger talks up Mertesacker and Koscielny’s Arsenal partnership
Arsene Wenger heaps praise on defenders Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker after Arsenal beat Spurs

Arsene Wenger singled out defenders Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker for special praise after Arsenal beat Tottenham 1-0 at White Hart Lane.
Tomas Rosicky powered home a thunderous strike after just 72 seconds in the only goal of the game as the Gunners kept their title hopes alive.
We needed a good defensive performance and that of course goes through our two centre backs
Arsene Wenger
And Wenger was thrilled with the north Londoners’ central-defensive pairing as Koscielny and Mertesacker held firm despite waves of Spurs pressure in the second half.
“They [Mertesacker and Koscielny] were exceptional for the whole game,” said Wenger.
“They were already at Bayern I think and even after when Thomas Vermaelen came on we finished with the three [centre-backs] and they didn’t create the chances anymore.
“Today you needed to be top because Emmanuel Adebayor was sharp and up for it, like he always is against us.
“He had a great game Adebayor and overall we needed a good defensive performance and that of course goes through our two centre backs.”
Arsenal are third in the table after Sunday’s win, level on points with Liverpool in second and four behind leaders Chelsea, who have played a game more.




