Per Mertesacker: "We have an exceptional team"

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has declared that his side have a special spirit that can help them maintain a fine run of form in 2013.

The Gunners have lost just one of their last 16 games in all competitions, which includes a record of nine successive wins away from home.

Mertesacker believes that the confidence gained from consistent performances on the road can drive Arsenal to success this season, while insisting that the importance of team spirit cannot be overstated.

He told the club's official website: "We have an exceptional team, that's the main thing. We built up confidence from last season, especially the last 10 games when we didn't lose anything.

"You could feel it from the first day that there is something special in this team. We have shown so far that we are ready to keep our confidence and keep the run going. The most important thing is to keep that mental level high.

"We try to get everything out of one individual but as well as a team, so it is up to us to give ourselves the confidence, to give every player a good feeling and to be part of that special team."

The German international has recovered from illness to be considered for selection in the Champions League tonight, as Arsene Wenger's side open Group F against Marseille.