Per Mertesacker: Wenger told us “to go at full intensity” against Man Utd

Per Mertesacker has revealed that Arsene Wenger instructed Arsenal to start at “full intensity” against Manchester United last weekend, as they scored all three goals in their 3-0 win in the opening 20 minutes, as reported by the club’s official website.

The Gunners blitzed United at the start of the game, racing into a two-goal lead after just seven minutes thanks to strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

The Chile international doubled his tally after 20 minutes with a sweet strike, as the North Londoners bounced back brilliantly from their Champions League disappointment just days earlier.

Arsenal were beaten 3-2 at the Emirates by Olympiacos last Tuesday, leaving them bottom of their Champions League group with no points from two games. Wenger’s side will next face a double header against Bayern Munich.

The bleak atmosphere around North London was palpable following that game, but it all changed on Sunday.

Per Mertesacker has won 88% of his headed duels in the Premier League this season.

The Gunners looked lethargic against the Greek giants, but Mertesacker has revealed that Wenger made sure that wasn’t the case against Louis van Gaal’s men.

The 31-year-old said: “[We were told to] do what we are best at and to go at full intensity, especially at home. Have no regrets and to focus on our job which is to have good possession in the final third, and play with tempo and speed.

“It worked completely because we gave everything from the start without any hesitation and that is what makes people happy, seeing us play in that way.”

Mertesacker has had a stop-start season thus far, missing four of Arsenal’s opening eight Premier League games, including the 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month.

In his four appearances, the World Cup winner has won 85% of his average duels, averaging 10 defensive actions-per-game and has recorded an average pass accuracy of 89%.

Mertesacker’s defensive actions this term.

The victory over United lifted Arsenal into second place on 16 points, just two adrift of leaders Manchester City, who regained their lead at the top of the table thanks to their thumping 6-1 win over Newcastle last weekend.

Next up for the Gunners following the international break is an away clash against Watford next weekend.