On Sunday, north London side Arsenal let another lead slip, dropped another two points, as the Gunners returned from their clash with Liverpool with a 2-2 draw.
Despite going down first to a Philippe Coutinho opener on the stroke of half-time, Arsenal drew level immediately after, and took a 2-1 lead in the 64th minute thanks to an Olivier Giroud goal.
Wenger’s side look destined for all three points when Italian striker Fabio Borini was sent off, but as witnessed several times before this season, Arsenal were unable to hold onto their advantage, and buckled under the pressure, conceding to a late equalizer through a corner kick two minutes from time.
So why were many Arsenal fans fuming at one particular player, vice-captain Per Mertesacker after the game at Anfield? After the final whistle, images spread on social media showing the German defender ducking out of the way for Martin Skrtel’s powerful 97th minute header.
Arsenal fans rip into Per Mertesacker after the German defender appeared to duck out of the way for Martin Skrtel's header
Chambers showed up late to try and challenge Skrtel but the real question here is what is Mertesacker doing here: pic.twitter.com/tLbFM4UV9m
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) December 21, 2014
Well done @mertesacker . Always nice to see you using your 6"6 build effectively. pic.twitter.com/B0IVNguQyK
— Henry Worth (@henryworth1) December 21, 2014
Mertesacker needs to retire tomorrow. Ducking headers like child support, absolutely appalling mate.
— Thierry (@UnoThemOnes) December 21, 2014
Mertesacker Ducking when he should be jumping and marking skirtel pic.twitter.com/deNjNnYlwZ
— Fedupgooner (@The_Arsenal78) December 21, 2014
The picture of Mertesacker ducking from Skrtels header is disgraceful. Let us down big time as captain and CB of Arsenal. Not good enough
— Arsenal News (@__arsenal_news_) December 21, 2014
There's no defending Mertesacker at this point.
— Alex John (@UFGoonerAJ) December 21, 2014
Per Mertesacker, 6ft6 CB, vice captain, world cup winner is ducking a 96th min header. Abysmal.
— GIROUD (@DatGuyAlexis) December 21, 2014
That snap of Mertesacker 'defending' that corner is gonna haunt him for months
— Wilbur (@wilburAFC) December 21, 2014
Mertesacker wasn't ducking his back just hurt after training yesterday pic.twitter.com/659dSIaD6v
— Mogadishu Mocha (@Munzzizi) December 21, 2014
The club’s 65-year-old French manager later revealed his disappointment it the manner in which his side conceded the equalizer, saying after the game:
"It was maybe a fair result, but we are disappointed to give a goal away with a free header from a corner.
"It was an intense game. We played a little bit with a handbrake on in the first half, and Liverpool played well.”
"For their goal, we had plenty of defenders on the pitch. It's disappointing that we didn't even jump. You want everybody to be focused on the corner."
What were your thoughts on Per Mertesacker's actions? After seeing what occurred on Sunday, do you believe it's time Arsenal replace the German center-back?