Per Mertesacker has called on his teammates to reproduce the intensity they showed against Tottenham.

The club captain feels that the performance last Saturday was an excellent example of the team’s spirit and togetherness.

While he acknowledges that such occasions can get more out of players, Mertesacker wants the same intensity to be shown against Cologne and Burnley this week. “I think it was a brilliant example of us bringing it all – fans and players together,” he told Arsenal.com.

“It was a great atmosphere and lovely to see how we were together in every single situation. Even in the stands, on the bench or actually on the field, we seemed to be together.

“The intensity was great from the start and I think it is human on those occasions that we give 20 per cent more. I think it is like that.

“But we want to reproduce, especially on Thursday. They set a good example for us, those players who came in. We saw that intensity and to repeat that tomorrow and Sunday will be a big, big challenge for us. But we embrace it.”

Arsenal will be looking to win their Europa League group by defeating Cologne. It’ll be an opportunity for the Gunners’ fringe players to stake a claim in the first-team ahead of what looks like a difficult game at Burnley on Sunday.

The Clarets have defied expectations this season so far and are level on points with Arsenal. The performance and win over Tottenham on Saturday was one of the high points of the season.

However, not getting the results against Cologne and Burnley this week would be a very Arsenal thing to do, and bring an abrupt halt to our momentum.

Arsene Wenger’s side haven’t been very strong away from home this season, especially in the Premier League.

Mertesacker will likely be in the starting line-up for the Cologne game, having missed out on the game against Tottenham. Here’s hoping he plays well and helps us to victory.