Per Mertesacker REVEALS The Key to Arsenal's Success This Season

Arsenal won 1-0 against Newcastle United, with the help of Laurent Koscielny who scored in the 72^nd minute to give Arsenal the lead and secure three points. Gunners are now top of the table with a two points difference between themselves and former league leaders, Leicester City.

As important as the goal was, Arsenal’s defender, Per Mertesacker reveals that the reason behind their victory was their ability to never lose focus.

Speaking to Arsenal Player, Mertesacker said,”We put in everything and we had to because Newcastle were good on the break and could have taken the lead as well. When you dig in and fight for you team-mates you get your reward.”

“We never lost our lost our focus or our passion, and neither did the fans. We believe we can be a good team if we put the effort in. That is what it is all about. That is what I kept saying to the lads. To keep a clean sheet as long as possible and we did it all the way through.”

“We are a threat offensively and could have scored more in the end. We need to share the ball better at times in front of the goal. We are pretty delighted with the performance where we did well and now we are looking forward to 2016 and having a successful season.”

On the other hand, Newcastle coach, Steve McClaren believes it was his side that was dominant and had an overall control of the game. As reported on Premier League’s official website, ‘The players can’t believe it, we controlled and dominated the game after the first 10 minutes.

“We asked for a performance and the players gave it, but we conceded one soft goal and lost the game. You can’t fault the performance, we just have to be more ruthless at both ends. We caused them so many problems and controlled them at the back and we’re bewildered how we have not got anything.”

“In the last three games we have lost 1-0 against Everton in the last minute, 1-0 to West Brom in the last 10 minutes and this one. The spirit is tremendous and I can’t fault them, I’m just really disappointed.”

Arsenal will face Liverpool, and Newcastle will host Manchester United next in the Premier League.