Lukas Podolski has stressed the importance of the Arsenal players sharing the goals between them this season.

At this stage last season, Robin van Persie had scored 17 of his 40 goals for the campaign.

However, with Van Persie now playing for Manchester United, the Gunners have found the net on 45 occasions already and have shared those between 14 different players.

"Yes, it's important to share the goals," he told the club's official website. "Last season there was one guy, Robin van Persie, who scored 30 goals or more. Now we have four of five players who score five, six, seven or eight goals.

"I think this is important when a good player leaves the club, it's important for some other players to score the goals."

German international Podolski has scored seven goals in all competitions.