Emirates new boy having trouble communicating with team-mates.
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Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker revealed the heart of the club’s defensive problem is the lack of communication.
The 27-year-old admits he needs more time to adjust to life in the Premier League but he has been part of a back four that has shipped 16 goals in seven league games.
The Germany international was signed in the summer to bring stability after the club’s attempts to win silverware were undone by defensive mistakes.
He has played alongside three different centre-backs – Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou, Alex Song – but not yet with Thomas Vermaelen.
“I still have communication problems, but given the circumstances this was unavoidable,” he said.
“Due to the lateness of the transfer, I could do very little to prepare. But mistakes happen. They are almost inevitable in a team which has not yet gelled.”
Mertesacker believes his team can take six points from the next two matches, against Sunderland and Stoke City, before facing Chelsea at the end of the month.
“We have a talented team with a lot of potential lying dormant and it’s only a matter of time before that comes to the surface,” he added.
“There is no one here who is not certain that the success will return. The coach has been the pride of Arsenal for years.
“(Arsene) Wenger does not sign players about whom he is not totally convinced. This knowledge gives me a lot of security.”