Arsenal star: Liverpool performance showed we are proud to be Gunners

Per Mertesacker is back in the Arsenal side after recovering from last season's injury troubles. Photo: PA

Monday, September 3, 2012
1:22 PM

Per Mertesacker says Arsenal are brimming with confidence after their impressive showing against Liverpool

Per Mertesacker says Arsenal’s belief and togetherness were vital in their 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The German put in a solid shift at centre-back as Arsene Wenger’s side recorded their first win of the season and a third consecutive clean sheet.

And despite another summer of high profile departures from the Emirates, Mertesacker hailed the mood in the dressing room and says confidence is high.

“We believed in ourselves [against Liverpool] - that was the most important thing and we played fantastic,” he told Arsenal’s official website.

“We had to believe a lot, because our squad has had many changes and some important players have moved. We didn’t know where we stood, but we are very happy now.

“You could see it in the dressing room directly after the match. We are very proud to play for Arsenal.

“We had a great opportunity here to show everybody what Arsenal is.

“We now have to focus on our strengths and that is vital for the next few weeks, to stay near the top of the league.

“A lot of challenges are coming after the international break but we are looking forward to them because we are full of confidence. We showed that against Liverpool.”