HEAT IS ON

But Smith Rowe says trip to desert is no holiday as the Gunners try to bounce back from three successive losses

EMILE SMITH ROWE insists Arsenal’s trip to Dubai is no holiday as the Gunners prepare for the title run-in.

Mikel Arteta has flown his stars for some warm-weather training after a difficult winter period.

A run of three successive defeats has seen the Gunners knocked off top spot in the Premier League and dumped out of the FA Cup.

And, with their next fixture not until January 20 (at home to Crystal Palace), Arteta decided that a winter break could revitalise Arsenal’s season. But Smith Rowe, still feeling his way back into the side after a string of injuries, says that does not mean anybody will be taking it easy in the Middle East.

“Training is really intense actually,” the midfielder (with Kai Havertz, above) said. “The manager demands that. It’s nice to be high up in the league, but in training you are not thinking about that – you just want to get better every day and keep improving.

“Everybody has to prove they can play here, so it means every session you have to be at your best. It’s a great environment to be in.”

The England international no longer feels any need to hold back after playing just 16 minutes in six months after groin surgery. “I’m feeling good – I’ve been back in training for a while and it’s all good,” he added.

“At first we thought the injury would take longer but I started feeling really good after just a few weeks, so then I kicked on and I’m feeling good now. I’ve had no problems so now I’m not thinking about the injury at all. It’s behind me and I want to kick on by getting on the pitch.

“The team had been doing so well before Christmas and of course I want to be part of that and to get involved as soon as possible.”

Arsenal will stay in Dubai until next Tuesday, mixing sponsor appointments with proper training sessions under Arteta’s watchful eye. The Arsenal manager had admitted his players were looking tired after the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in the

FA Cup (below) on Sunday.

“That’s why I think we need to reset,” he said.

“This break is good. It comes at a good time.”

Arsenal drew 1-1 in the

Premier League at

Anfield on December 23 and since then have lost

2-0 at home to West Ham,

2-1 at Fulham, and 2-0 at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

They are 6-1 to win the league title, with Manchester City favourites at 4-6 and Liverpool 9-4.