Per - The team trusts Koscielny
Per Mertesacker says Arsenal's recent defensive improvement is linked with the return of Laurent Koscielny.
The Gunners have kept clean sheets in both games that Koscielny has started since returning from the injury he sustained on international duty with France in September.
After Arsene Wenger praised the 29-year-old for "stabilising" the back four against Southampton, Mertesacker was next to pay tribute to his defensive partner ahead of Saturday's clash with Stoke City.
"There's a good partnership between us but also the team trusts him because he's a great centre back and a great lad"
"It's great to have him back," Mertesacker told Arsenal Player. "There's a good partnership between us but also the team trusts him because he's a great centre back and a great lad.
"We look good at the moment but we have to continue doing well, especially in practicing and training. We compliment each other really well and you can see that, especially last season where we kept a lot of clean sheets.
"We have different qualities and that fits really well together. We try to keep that and remind ourselves there is still something to improve but there's a good partnership and that's good for the core of the team. We think that can help everyone.
"Laurent has speed and ability to build up from the back, which fits with Arsenal. Maybe I've got different qualities, but those qualities together make us a good partnership."