Per Mertesacker urges Arsenal to "learn quickly" following Chelsea defeat

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has admitted that his side were second best in this afternoon's 2-0 defeat against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The Gunners fell a goal behind just short of the half-hour mark when Eden Hazard coolly dispatched a penalty that he had himself won, while Diego Costa's strike made sure of the points 12 minutes from time.

Following the setback against their London rivals, Mertesacker insisted that Arsenal must "learn quickly" if they are to get their title aspirations back on track.

"We were more competitive than last year but overall we have to admit we were good but not good enough in certain areas, particularly the final third," the former Germany international told Sky Sports News.

"We had a couple of decent possibilities, but we could not find the final pass or touch. We defended better, but they are still better and we have to learn quickly."

Arsenal return to action in two weeks' time with a home match against Hull City.