New attackers need time to gel

Per Mertesacker believes Arsenal’s new-look attack needs a little time to develop a good understanding.

The Gunners have recruited Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud this summer, but could not find the back of the net in a frustrating opening day 0-0 draw with Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s German centre-back is not concerned, however, and has backed his international team-mate Podolski to find his shooting boots with Arsenal, and fill the void left by the departing Robin van Persie.

He said: “We saw a lot of misunderstandings against Sunderland, especially in the first half.

“So we need a bit of time, especially with the new players, but I think it is coming.

“It was tough for Podolski because it was his first game up front. But he will get used to the game, switch on quickly and score a lot for us.

With Alex Song’s move to Barcelona now confirmed, Arsène Wenger is expected to dip into the transfer market again, this time for a more defensive-minded target, with midfielders Nuri Sahin and Yann M’Vila being linked to replace the Cameroon international.