Arsenal: Per Mertesacker talks up celebration with Theo Walcott and team camaraderie

Per Mertesacker insists that there are small things the players do off the pitch and on it that make Arsenal a special club to play for. The German and Theo Walcott involve themselves in a post match celebration where they jump and bump their backs against each other, something that has stuck in the eyes of fans and the media alike.

The Gunners have gone on a good run of form in the league, winning their last two games, while scoring eight goals and conceding two, against clubs in the top six like Leicester City and Manchester United. Mertesacker believes that the camaraderie that the players share plays an essential part in the way they perform on the pitch.

On the celebration front, Mertesacker stated that it was an impromptu decision, something which stuck between the duo and there are more celebrations they are planning after winning their next game.

"I have no idea how that came about, it is just a small idea and we have just put it into practice, like a good habit," Mertesacker told Arsenal's official website

"It reminds us always that [games are] hard work, but we enjoy ourselves, we enjoy playing together and trust each other. Small details makes this squad a special one. We are looking forward to having some good celebrations after the game."

The German has been in and out of the side this season through illness and Gabriel's form threatened to keep him out of the eleven. However, an injury to Laurent Koscielny made it easy for Wenger to give him the nod for United and the World Cup winner managed to return the manager's favour by keeping a clean sheet.

Acting captain in the absence of Mikel Arteta, Mertesacker is impressed with the way Walcott has grown into the striker's role this season. The England international has two goals and two assists to his name in the league and is looking good to have a successful season up front for the Gunners.

"It is a different position that what he played before on the wing," said Mertesacker. "In the centre he is always one against two, so he needs to find his way and his spaces and the pockets where he can be dangerous.

"That will always be more in behind [the defence], forcing [the opposition] to go back because they will always be scared, if Theo plays up front, of the space in behind."