Arsene Wenger hails "fantastic" Per Mertesacker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the "fantastic" leadership qualities of Per Mertesacker after the team's win over Fulham in the Premier League.

The German defender captained the Gunners in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta as they claimed a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"Per is a fantastic leader who always keeps the urgency of the team very high," Wenger told the club's official website. "He's a good organiser. He's growing in stature and I think his individual performance as well was outstanding."

Arsenal host Fenerbahce in the second leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday following a 3-0 win against the Turks last week.