Arsenal defender discusses Arsene Wenger’s rotatation policy

Monday, October 8, 2012
7:41 AM

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker insists that the competition for places is a good thing after being part of the side that beat West Ham on Saturday.

The German was only on the bench against Chelsea because of a virus, with Laurent Koscielny selected on the bench.

With the Frenchman the other option for manager Arsene Wenger depending on what challenges the Gunners face – Saturday’s was the aerial threat of fit-again England striker Andy Carroll - there seems to be little prospect of a regular defensive partnership but the German sees this as a good thing..

“The manager told us before the start of the season that we have a lot of good centre-backs and is convinced we can make the team stronger and stronger because we have a lot of these good players in every position,” he said.

“The manager said he would change sometimes and I think that’s great for our development.

“The dressing room is full of good lads, we are looking forward to every game.

“All of the subs who came in against West Ham were fantastic and we have a great squad, we can feel the confidence rising.”