Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says his side worked harder in training to keep a clean sheet against Bolton.
Arsenal defender puts clean sheet down to extra training
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that his side worked harder in training to keep a clean sheet against Bolton on Saturday.
The Gunners had conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League before the weekend's clash.
Two goals from Robin van Persie and a late strike from Alex Song completed a much-needed win for Arsene Wenger's side, who moved up to 12th in the table.
In their last Premier League match, the North London outfit had conceded four goals against Blackburn Rovers, leading to criticism of the back four.
Wenger made just one change to the defensive set up at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with deadline-day signing Andre Santos making way for young full-back Kieran Gibbs.
Mertesacker, 26, has made four appearances for Arsenal since moving from Werder Bremen last month and believes Saturday's win over Bolton was a step in the right direction.
More time
He told the club's
official website: "We had a little bit more time (during the week) because of the Carling Cup match.
"Some players had a little more rest and we trained a little harder, especially on the way we want to defend.
"It worked and on Saturday you saw we had a better defence. We were closer together.
"After the four goals against Blackburn we lost a little bit of confidence but we were very proud of our performance on Saturday. We want to go on with this way of defending.
"I want to do a good job, especially in the defence. That is my role. If the coach praises me then that is a great thing but I have to go on and keep on working. My performances can improve."
