10 Things We Learned About Arsenal from FA Community Shield Win over Chelsea

7. Per Mertesacker still has a lot to give

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I was completely sold that Gabriel Paulista would rise up and take Per Mertesacker’s spot by Christmas, but today, the big German looked incredibly solid alongside his long-time defensive partner Laurent Koscielny.

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Believe it or not, the German had more interceptions than Francis Coquelin and Koscielny combined (via Whoscored). That is saying something, seeing as how interceptions have never been Mertesacker’s game.

Aside form the uncanny interceptions, Mertesacker was also never exposed like we have seen in the past. He looked composed and confident both on the ball and defending the ball. His combination play with Koscielny looked very similar to what we have seen from the two in years past, when they became an unbeatable duo at home.

Keeping Mertesacker relevant is crucial to Paulista’s development as well, as that internal competition is what brings out the most in players.

Next: Number 6