Per Mertesacker
Mertesacker is adapting to English football. REUTERS

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has lambasted the error that led to Marcus Albrighton's goal on Wednesday night as "absolutely atrocious", singling out Per Mertesacker for particular criticism.

The towering Arsenal defender was partly at fault for what proved to be the 20,000<sup>th Premier League goal, when he failed to atone for Thomas Vermaelen's initial error by not clearing the ball.

The aforementioned Arsenal hero believes it was not the type of defending akin to an experienced German international, but the Gunners' late summer signing continues to look occasionally ponderous and underwhelming in the heart of Arsene Wenger's back-four.

Merson suggests Arsenal must cut out the trivial errors in their defence in order to continue their impressive revival this season, and in particular he intimates Mertesacker must improve.

"The goal Arsenal conceded against Villa was absolutely atrocious.

"If a little kid had made Per Mertesacker's mistake you'd be shocked but for an international player to do it was terrible." The Arsenal legend told skysports.com.

Although unhappy with some of their defending Merson believes Arsenal will have too much for Wolves on Tuesday.

"Wolves will test Arsenal because they do have a real go and normally raise their game against the big boys. They were unlucky to only draw with Norwich on Tuesday but I can't see them getting anything at the Emirates. I like Steven Fletcher, though, and I think he can help Wolves get a goal." The Arsenal legend mused.

Arsenal are currently in fifth, twelve points behind Manchester City, and knowing anything but a victory over Wolves on 27 December will all but end their Premier League title aspirations.