Arsenala s Per Mertesacker has welcomed the new signing Gabriel Paulista saying that competition is good for the players and the team.
“We suffered a lot at times with injuries, but also with results. We want a very deep squad and we look much better now,” he said.
“We have that competition in our team and have an addition with a centre-back now, so I think we have a deep and good squad at the moment.”
The stand-in captain said he and his teammates will do all it takes to ensure that Paulista is comfortable and up to the level required to play at Arsenal
“He is a talent and I think we will get him to the level he needs because he has that potential,” said Mertesacker.
“From my point of view, it is very promising because we were short at the back, especially in the centre position. We suffered a lot and had to change so many positions.
“It was a needed position to get everyone going and keep him on his natural position is very important.”
Mertesacker had constantly asked for cover for the centre backs whenever he gave an interview and it is no surprise to see that the German was very happy with the new signing.
He also praised the youngsters who filled in during the injury crisis.
“They have played an absolutely fantastic role and will get the experience now,” Mertesacker said.
“That is really important, when there is an injury crisis, they can step up and can have a real impact. You could see (against Villa) that they are able to do that.”
However, the defender wasna t ready to talk about a tilt at the title or closing the gap to second placed Manchester City, and said it was all about taking one match at a time.
“It is not our major focus at the moment to look forwards too much,” he said.
“Next we have a very important away game. We are very close to each other in the league, are two London rivals.
“Last season we did quite well at White Hart Lane, so will try to repeat that.
“But now they have a new manager and there has been some change in the squad.
“It will be a good game, with an early kick off, so we need to be fresh.”
The fans will certainly hoping that Arsenal continue their dominance of Tottenham Hostpur, and more importantly win 6 games on the trot.