Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker has praised his side's ability to play in different ways in order to pick up positive results.

In the past, the Gunners have been criticised for refusing to stray from their free-flowing, passing style, but recent wins over Bayern Munich and Manchester City, in addition to a victory over City in January, have showcased a more measured approach.

Mertesacker believes that the increased variety in his side's performances make them more of a threat against the bigger teams as they go in search of a first Premier League title in 12 years.

"We are capable of doing different things sometimes and that is what makes it harder for the opponent," the German is quoted as saying by PA.

"That is our thought and that is why we implement them into games sometimes, but we are still dangerous on the counter-attack and that makes us a real threat. Last season we played at City and we showed some different kind of match-plan. That is what we had in the locker already, but this year we are more consistent and it is what makes us a bit better as a unit.

"Sometimes we need to adjust, we don't have all the players available at the minute, we think that is best way to win against City but we need to trust that way as well - it is not only thinking about it, it is also about putting it in to practice. That is what we are doing really well at the minute but that means a lot of concentration and work in training and everyone in the game is up for the challenge."

Monday night's 2-1 triumph over Man City saw Arsenal move to within two points of league leaders Leicester City with just over half of the season remaining.