text: Per Mertesacker is not one to shy away from a verbal confrontation and the defender revealed that bringing back the 'arguing culture' to Arsenal was key to their upturn in results - following a number of heavy defeats. Arsene Wenger's side were thrashed 6-3 by Manchester City and 5-1 by Liverpool last season as they slipped from the top of the summit to a battle for the Champions League places. And Mertesacker, who last season was pictured remonstrating with Mezut Ozil, admits being embarrassed by the bigger teams was the catalyst for a number of much-needed confrontations. Per Mertesacker says Arsenal have brought back the 'arguing culture' after some heavy defeats last season . The central defender gives Mezut Ozil a piece of his mind following Arsenal's heavy defeat at the Etihad . He told the Independent: 'We tried to think what went wrong for us last season, especially when we got beaten heavily by those big teams. Very severe. 'It's always a big discussion. I mean, we are responsible for our performances. No one wants to have such a miserable day again.' 'You need that arguing culture. We lost that at times. It gets personal, and someone gets upset too quickly, but you have to face the truth and have a proper argument. That was normal 10 years ago and it has slightly changed. The German thinks confrontation can be vital for a teams mentality and it has helped Arsenal since . Aaron Ramsey (left), Jack Wilshere and Nicklas Bendtner of Arsenal stand dejected after the fifth City goal . 'We lost that a bit, what is the intention of argument. It's really important, not only in general, but in a footballer's life. It has to get louder sometimes. We need to discuss, to find solutions, to get everyone in one direction.' This season is very different, with an in-form Arsenal closing in on Manchester City in second and showing that they can compete for the Premier League title.# . Champions League chasing rivals Liverpool visit the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime, knowing that nothing less than a win is acceptable, after their disappointing home defeat to Manchester United. Arsenal face Liverpool on Saturday in a crucial clash for both sides for the Champions League places .
target: Per Mertesacker says that suffering embarrassing defeats hurt the squad .
  Losing heavily forced the players to bring back the 'arguing culture'
  Since then Arsenal have improved and could still finish second .
  CLICK HERE to follow all the live updates of Arsenal vs Liverpool .
  CLICK HERE to read all the latest Arsenal news .