Per Mertesacker backs Arsenal defender David Luiz to recover from his mistakes

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David Luiz was heavily exposed in the game against Liverpool but former Arsenal skipper Per Mertesacker believes that he can learn from his mistakes.

Former Arsenal defender and current Academy head Per Mertesacker has spoke to Sky Sports about David Luiz’s mistakes and the Gunners’ defensive woes.

A World Cup winner with more than 100 caps for Germany, Mertesacker knows all about the hardships of being a centre-half at the top level and he believes that David Luiz’s mistakes so far this season will only help him get better. The Brazilian was under scrutiny for two of Liverpool’s goals against the Gunners at Anfield but Mertesacker believes that he is comfortable at Arsenal.

The German said: “I think he (David Luiz) will learn from his mistakes on the pitch, but he is very comfortable being at Arsenal. That’s what I have been seeing. So we are happy to have him. He brings something different to the table right now. So I think he is able to learn and excel his level of being an Arsenal player.”

Arsenal will go into the game against Watford this weekend on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against North London rivals Tottenham. Unai Emery’s side conceded two needless goals in the first half but the firepower in attack helped them produce a very good comeback.

With defensive frailties costing the Gunners yet again, Mertesacker was quick to highlight that the problem was in the balance of the team. As brilliant as the attack is with Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, the big German said that the trio should act as the first line of defence.

“I think we have a lack of balance right now. Where you feel like, we have amazing strikers but they as well need to understand that we need to have a certain compactness. It’s not only about us three (lead) strikers providing an offensive threat. It is about these front three as well, leading the first frontline as being a defensive unit,” he said.

Mertesacker’s assessment of Arsenal’s problem is spot on but it is tough for Emery to find the perfect XI who will contribute both on and off the ball. The return of Rob Holding to full fitness is a massive boost for the Gunners’ central defence and with a lot of the season still to be played, Emery has to use him and the rest of his squad wisely to avoid further casualties.