Mertesacker demands Arsenal show pride in shirt

Defender Per Mertesacker has challenged his team-mates to show pride in wearing the Arsenal shirt by responding to their Anfield horror show with a match-winning performance against Manchester United.

The Gunners were humiliated 5-1 by Liverpool on Saturday and as a result where knocked off the top of the Premier League by Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger’s side, however, have the chance to make amends swiftly when inconsistent United head to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night.

Germany international Mertesacker is expecting Arsenal to come out all guns blazing as they tackle a run of games which could well shape their season.

“We feel very bad, disappointed with our performance right from the start. To be honest, it is one of the worst setbacks of this season,” Mertesacker said.

“We have the opportunity to respond quickly on Wednesday and we have to remind ourselves what we have done from Manchester City (when Arsenal lost 6-3) until now.

“That is at stake, and to show that responsibility for ourselves and for the pride of our club.”

There was some good news for Arsenal yesterday, as it was confirmed Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery will miss the Champions League tie with Arsenal after undergoing a “minor operation” to repair a burst blood vessel in his buttock.

Meanwhile Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers’ still maintains his side will not challenge for the title this season.

“I came here to challenge for titles, so there is no limit on our ambitions,” he said.

“I am very much full of optimism for this football club and the development of the team but I also have to be realistic as well and I think it’s something that might be too much for us this season.

“But that doesn’t stop us fighting or wanting to be the best we can be, and at some point in my time here we will be ready.”

Liverpool have been undone slightly this season by the odd slip in consistency, often after a big performance. They were excellent at Manchester City on St Stephen’s Day despite losing 2-1 but then failed to raise their game for the trip to Chelsea immediately afterwards.

Everton were dispatched 4-0 in a midweek Merseyside derby only for a 1-1 draw to follow against West Brom but Rodgers insists the pressure of expectation is not a problem.

“If you are talking about can they cope with pressure, you look at the last few games we’ve had — Tottenham away (a 5-0 win), Everton at home, the game on Saturday. That (pressure) can only hurt you if you let it.

“If you read into things like that too much and listen to too many outside influences or the background noise that goes on then it can hurt you.”