Check out the best Per Mertesacker jokes after his performance in Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 first leg defeat to Monaco at the Emirates was widely criticised by fans.

MORE: The best Arsenal jokes and tweets after CL defeat to Monaco

The shock loss means Arsène Wenger’s side need to score at least 3 in the second leg to stand a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2010.

And the big German defender is taking his share of the blame.

With a focus on his speed, or lack thereof, these are the best Per Mertesacker jokes from the Champions League last-16 first leg tie that finished Arsenal 1-3 Monaco:

Berbatov trying to get away from mertesacker! pic.twitter.com/BX2ApvjGif

— BradO'Donnell (@braders1902) February 25, 2015

Mertesacker turning… pic.twitter.com/OdNuMQTgRf

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 25, 2015

The ref. RT @luckylooch23: If Mertesacker and Berbatov had a race who would win?

— Temisan Okomi (@temiokomi) February 25, 2015

Mertesacker just wanted to test his blistering pace out by going 40 yards out of position…

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) February 25, 2015

@ManhattanDoc He'll be there in a minute. Literally.

— NickHardyYNWA (@nickhardy777) February 25, 2015

LMAO Gary Neville looked at Mertesacker and said "I don't know what that is" like it's not even comprehendable as a defensive action

— Bantman (@Mattheveli) February 25, 2015

Mertesacker having a Kompany tonight

— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) February 25, 2015

Berbatov making a fool of Mertesacker: https://t.co/bG1QFZcno9

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 25, 2015

Great action shot of Mertesacker and Koscielny at full speed… pic.twitter.com/9HwyY9GQ9I

— Alan Perrie (@alan_pez_perrie) February 25, 2015

Mertesacker runs like he's pulling the Titanic.

— Tosin Olasanoye (@tosin_GoodTimes) February 25, 2015

Per Mertesacker bringing the ball out of defence like… pic.twitter.com/KVeOLrwJ6B

— Football GIF Bible (@FootyGIFsBible) February 25, 2015

Fav if you're better than Mertesacker. RT if you're better than Mertesacker.

— Özil Wizardry (@OzilWizardry) February 25, 2015

RT LampPost Fav Mertesacker pic.twitter.com/4dSZhz5X9u

— Jake (@OzilPass) February 25, 2015

When you realize you're second choice to Per Mertesacker. pic.twitter.com/sQVMzs0HiU

— Violent Gabriel (@GabrielKillYou) February 25, 2015

Someone to Mertesacker right now… pic.twitter.com/CipbDej01i

— Simon (@simonafc) February 25, 2015

Per Mertesacker when that third goal went in.. pic.twitter.com/5lQp9enmI7

— Sunday League (@SundayShoutsFC) February 25, 2015

You know when Sczcesny's dad said Mertesacker had the speed and agility of a rhino? Well I kind of feel bad for the rhino right now.

— Gooner Frog (@GoonerFrog) February 25, 2015

Madonna doing her best impression of Mertesacker trying to defend the second goal https://t.co/LKPKH3jnT9

— #3dot (@GloryArsenal_) February 25, 2015

SEE ALSO: The best Arsenal jokes and tweets after CL defeat to Monaco