Arsenal fans were fuming with Per Mertesacker after his poor performance contributed to Arsenal’s shocking defeat against Stoke City on Saturday.
The German has struggled to find top form all season and has looked particularly exposed when Laurent Koscielny has not been in the line-up alongside him. There is a concern amongst the fans that Mertesacker may no longer have a future at the club, or at least as a first team regular.
Understandably, the Arsenal fans had a lot to say after the humiliating defeat. There was particular blame set aside for Mertesacker though:
Despite being 1.98m, Per Mertesacker won just one aerial duel inside his own half vs. Stoke. pic.twitter.com/gN4QCy2Mlk
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 6, 2014
Mertesacker looks completely lost on the left-hand side of the centre-backs. Don't understand moving him there at all.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) December 6, 2014
Mertesacker is a truly awful defender #wengerout
— Vincent humphries (@humpAFC_84) December 6, 2014
Mertesacker's whole attitude seems different without Koscielny. It's really strange and not on really. Especially when he has the armband.
— Culann Davies (@CulannDavies) December 6, 2014
That Bojan goal came from Mertesacker misjudged header in centre-circle. His dreadful season continues. #afc
— Sam (@samuelJayC) December 6, 2014
Mertesacker needs Koscielny next to him to look half decent. Same could be said for Gibbs tbh.
— DC (@DeanLDN22) December 6, 2014
What was Mertesacker doing on that Bojan goal???
Awful, awful defending from him yet again.
— James (@ArtisticArsenal) December 6, 2014