Champions League

[monks data]

Champions League | Round-Of-16

Feb 19, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Arsenal
0-2
Bayern Bayern Munich

FT(HT: 0-0)

Kroos (54'), Muller (88')

Bastian Schweinsteiger hails Per Mertesacker

By Subhankar Mondal, Reporter | 16 February 2014

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes that Per Mertesacker's form is one of the important factors behind Arsenal's impressive performances this season.

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has hailed Per Mertesacker's contribution to Arsenal's impressive form this season.

The 29-year-old Germany international will face his compatriot during the two sides' Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

"For many seasons Arsenal have been admired across Europe for their attacking play – but perhaps where they sometimes let themselves down was in defence," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"Per has made them one of the most defensively solid teams in England – and they look to have addressed their problems.

"It was always going to take Per time to adjust to a new league – but now we see him for what he is which is one of the best central defenders in Europe with fantastic positional awareness and real leadership qualities."

Defender Mertesacker joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2011.