Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has discussed the reasoning behind Per Mertesacker’s absence in the starting XI recently.
The experienced German defender has sat out the last couple of games in place of Gabriel Paulista, who has been impressive at the heart of the defence alongside stalwart defender Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger admitted that recent games against Southampton and Bournemouth required a pacier defender, due to the likes of Shane Long, who caused problems for Mertesacker in the 4-0 Boxing Day drubbing at St. Mary’s, while former striker Benik Afobe required a more athletic opponent, which the Gunners found to work well in Gabriel.
Speaking to the media in his pre-match news conference on Friday, Wenger hinted that Gabriel may again be utilised in place of Mertesacker, due to his dynamism at the back, which could help to stop the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in attack.
“It’s difficult to go into individual assessment. He [Mertesacker] has played a lot of games, I think sometimes I use a different formula, Per Mertesacker is a very good leader, very respected in our dressing room but I have three centre backs. I adapt to their level of form, to the number of games they have played and as well, the opposition we play against, what their strengths are and where they can hurt us.
Wenger then moved onto Olivier Giroud, who is without a goal in over a month, but has contributed with two assists in his last three games.
The Frenchman confirmed he is not worried about the 29-year-old’s lack of goalscoring form.
I do not have worries about Olivier Giroud’s form because on Sunday he gave the ball to Mesut Ozil for the first goal. An assist or goal is the exact same for me from a striker.
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