Defence
In Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby, the Gunners barely allowed their rivals any clear cut opportunities, with only Wojciech Szczesny’s gaffe offering Nacir Chadli the chance to shoot in from close range.
The fact that Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were there to prevent Chadli’s shot crossing the line was highly appropriate, for the pair have been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season.
Mertesacker and Koscielny average 7.1 and 7.4 clearances per game this season respectively, as well as a great amount of tackles and clearances too, and they are protected well by both full backs Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs and holding midfielders Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini.
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