Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez praises defence after third consecutive clean sheet

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has praised his back-line after the Gunners secure their third consecutive clean sheet during the 1-0 victory over Southampton on Wednesday 3 December.

After making his Premier League debut during the defeat against Manchester United, replacing Wojciech Szczesny due to an injury, the Argentine stopper has played a crucial role in the clean-sheet victories over West Bromwich Albion and Southampton in the Premier League and the 2-0 over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Even though the keeper has made some great saves during the run, he says the defenders are the ones to thank for it.

"When you play with Per, Lolo, Nacho - whoever is in the back four - you feel confident against any team," Martinez said to Arsenal's official website.

"I feel really, really confident behind them and hopefully I will get more opportunities. It really helps me. Lolo and Per are both experienced, organisationally strong and always talk to you. It is so easy to play behind them."

Prior to Martinez's debut against Manchester United, Szczesny had only three Premier League clean sheets in 11 games, against Aston Villa, Sunderland and Burnley.

However, Martinez was cautious about his chances to keep his place in the starting 11 once Szczesny is ready to return to action.

"It is amazing [to keep three clean sheets]. I need to enjoy it and say thank you to my defenders as well. They have been outstanding in the last three games. It is always good to keep a clean sheet and do your job," Martinez said.

"I know I am young and I need to wait for opportunities. When the opportunity comes, you need to be confident and show the manager that you can play as well. I think I am doing it, I am breeding confidence in my defenders and I am really pleased with that."