Arsenal: Can we actually believe Per Mertesacker?

Per Mertesacker has stated that he has no problem with the commitment of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. But can we actually believe the Arsenal captain?

As soon as 11 PM struck on August 1st, it was clear what the dominating Arsenal narrative would be for the season ahead. Neither Alexis Sanchez nor Mesut Ozil had departed; equally, neither had signed new contracts. They now entered the season in the final year of their respective deals. Questions were being asked.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Red Star Belgrade: 3 key Gunners to watch

Why does Arsene Wenger sacrifice the long-term security of the club for what he believes is a motivational advantage? Will the team be able to survive and adapt and progress when Ozil and Sanchez leave for no compensation? What potential replacements are there for such important and influential players?

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

However, two months into the season and the most poignant question has been one of commitment. With mysterious absences, lethargic, slumped body language, and a clear lack of effort shown, the desire and the fight of both, but especially Ozil, has been scrutinised. This was the question that was posed to Per Mertesacker. He answered with typical poise and grace:

"“Yes. Everyone has to do his job 100 per cent otherwise they are not eligible to be on the pitch. As long as everyone understands that then we are fine and you won’t get problems from me. I have no problems with players in their final year, that includes me as well. The only issue I’ve got is if they’re not fully committed to what we’re doing here. A lot of people focus on being on long-term contracts, but that’s not needed. I don’t feel a dip in commitment; we’re in a good front with those who have their contracts expiring.”"

But can we actually believe him? Can we actually numb our senses to the point that everything we see, everything we hear and read and note and identify, is just ignored? Because, while Mertesacker may profess otherwise, it does not seem as though Ozil and Sanchez are all that committed. In fact, it seems like the very opposite.

Ozil, especially, has been vacant when on the pitch. He merely meandered, aimlessly, as the ball pinballed around the Arsenal penalty area, turning only to see Tom Cleverley dispatch the, eventual, final rebound with real umph and authority. Disinterest would be the best way to describe it.

And Sanchez, meanwhile, has been strangely shuffled into the team in August, then dropped, then reintroduced in lesser competitions, and then dropped again, with Wenger sighting concerns with his mentality after Chile failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup. Sounds more like an excuse.

Next: Arsenal Vs Red Star Belgrade: Predicted starting XI

Ultimately, there are only two people who can accurately detail the commitment of the controversial pair: Ozil and Sanchez. Only they know whether they care; the rest of us are merely guessing, including, to some extent, Mertesacker. I do not know whether Ozil and Sanchez are fighting for the cause. I’m never going to fool myself into thinking that I do. But I would be a bigger fool to believe Per, no matter his intentions.