Big-game failings still rile Arsenal

Defender Per Mertesacker feels Arsenal have answered their critics by closing in on Champions League qualification once again, but admits failings against the Premier League’s top three sides have killed off their title dream.

Arsene Wenger’s side took a significant step towards securing a top-four finish with a 3-0 win over a lacklustre Newcastle side at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, where fit-again record signing Mesut Ozil scored one and created another.

Arsenal are now four points clear of Everton with just two games to go, with the Toffees having been beaten by Southampton at the weekend.