Arsenal star backs teammate to make up for RVP loss

Lukas Podolski netted his third goal in as many games against Montpellier. Photo: Jon Buckle/PA Wire

Monday, August 20, 2012
3:32 PM

Per Mertesacker reckons Lukas Podolski will prove a great signing for the Gunners

Per Mertesacker has backed his Arsenal teammate Lukas Podolski to make a big impact at the Emirates.

After the departure of goal machine Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Podolski and fellow new boy Olivier Giroud are under pressure to step up and deliver goals.

Podolski, a summer signing from Cologne, failed to find the net on his debut against Sunderland but his Germany teammate Mertesacker is certain he will come good.

“It was tough for him [on Saturday] because it was his first game up front,” Mertesacker told Arsenal’s official website.

“I think he will get used to the game, switch on quickly and score a lot for us.

“You have seen that he has a good technique and he is good in possession.

“We have the players who can pass him the ball.

“He is a good finisher too and we will see that in a couple of weeks.

“We saw a lot of misunderstandings [against Sunderland], especially in the first half.

“One guy maybe wanted the one-two, the other in behind.

“So we need a bit of time, especially with the new players.

“We had a few new players who were playing their first game over 90 minutes. But I think it is coming.”