Emiliano Martinez says it is “easy” to play behind Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

The Argentine goalkeeper delivered another commanding display on Wednesday night as the Gunners beat Southampton 1-0 at Emirates Stadium.

It was the 22-year-old’s third successive clean sheet, and while he is pleased with his own form he was also quick to pay tribute to his team-mates.

“When you play with Per, Lolo, Nacho - whoever is in the back four - you feel confident against any team,” Martinez said. “I feel really, really confident behind them and hopefully I will get more opportunities.

"Lolo and Per are both experienced, organisationally strong and always talk to you. It is so easy to play behind them" Emiliano Martinez

“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.

"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.

“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."

Martinez puts his good form down to a positive mindset and believing in his own ability, no matter how big the occasion.

“I like to command my area and help the defenders,” he said. “If there are more crosses coming in, I am going to come.

"I have been around English football for a few years, so I know how to play, I know it is quicker than anywhere. I need to play how I always play, like I do in the under-21s or for my national team. That's the keeper I am."

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