Mertesacker perfect as Emirates taxman

Per Mertesacker may often give opposition strikers a tough time with his uncompromising attitude but that’s only one of the reasons why Arsene Wenger has him deal with Arsenal’s trouble-makers too: there’s also his nationality.

The Emirates boss yesterday confirmed the details of a leak that illustrated a list of club rules, as well as the fact it is Mertesacker who collects the fines for disobeying.

“The Germans do well economically and we respect that,” Wenger laughed. “They are the only ones who make money in Europe so that’s why we have chosen a German.”