Do Arsenal have the best Centre-Back pairing in the Premier League?

Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker

At the end of last season, many Arsenal fans had to argue their case that Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker were the best defensive duo in the league. Six months on and eleven games into the following season, how many minds have been changed?

Mertesacker joined the club as one of the many last-minute trolley-dash purchases made by Arsenal on deadline day in 2011, following Arsenal’s humiliating defeat at Old Trafford. After his arrival he was dubbed a panic buy, his pace was often targeted and gave the sceptics a lot to talk about. Two years on, few can doubt the big German, who adds unique qualities to the defence.

Koscielny had a similar season to forget in his opening campaign. At times he showed signs of a brilliant defender, but his mistakes came far too frequently. Laurent has taken these positives, adapted to the league, and now become one of the best, successfully handling the likes of Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Mario Mandzukic in a selection of his performances.

Arsenal’s defence was at the heart of most of the criticism surrounding the side over the last few years. This season, and last, Arsenal have made many strides forward in that department. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have developed an understanding that can be compared to the best in Europe, leaving the talented Thomas Vermaelen, still the club captain, to watch from the sidelines. A stat that often surprises is that Arsenal conceded the second fewest amount of goals in the league last season, at a rate of just under a goal a game – a similar rate to this campaign.

Arsenal had the second best defensive record in the Premier League in 2012/13

Twenty-nine-year-old Mertesacker has 94 caps to his name for Germany, but it was only in his second season where he started to show that experience and quality. Like many players arriving from overseas; the duo needed time to adapt to the distinctive Premier League style. Per has added a stabilising presence at the heart of the Arsenal defence, and his qualities marry perfectly with partner Koscielny. Whilst Laurent loves to come out of the defence to intercept, as a front-foot defender, Per brings the organisation and calming influence. Together, they are getting better with every game, and following clean sheets in to outings inside a week against Liverpool and Dortmund, the doubters are beginning to be silenced.

Koscielny’s strengths lie in his reading of the game. This is highlighted by his 25 interceptions this season. As well as this he has managed 13 tackles with a 68% success rate.

Mertesacker’s experience keeps him out of trouble, he’s much less erratic than his partner, and is yet to pick up a card this season. In fact, he has only committed three fouls in his nine league appearances. Dominate in the air; Per has won 63% of his aerial duels (20). The duo boast an impressive 91% and 92% pass accuracy, making them the perfect ball playing defenders for the Gunners’ system.

Despite some standout stats, the real qualities of a defensive partnership come in their understanding of each other. It’s this aspect that has dramatically improved between Koscielny and Mertesacker in the calendar year.

A real assessment of the pairing can be taken at the seasons close. Considering the shaky defensive starts from both Manchester clubs, Arsenal’s have to be considered as the, or at least one of the, best in the league.