FORMULA WIN
Arteta says Gunners are like a new car that needs more miles for a proper tune-up
MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal are like a brand new motor that needs a few more miles in the tank.
But he insists they won’t choke in the title race after shifting gears against Bayern Munich.
Arteta’s young Gunners team fell 2-1 down in their Champions League tie against the German giants before rescuing a draw.
And he reckons that fightback will stand them in good stead ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates.
Arteta said: “It’s like putting miles in a car. If you have more miles, you have more baggage, more experience, and that’s needed.
“There is a lot to learn from the other day (the draw with Bayern) and there are a lot of positive things to take from it.
“Obviously, when you concede two goals the way we did, it does affect the team but it’s what you do afterwards that counts.
“I think the players were exceptional that night because any other team collapses and we didn’t. We stayed in the game and were focused.
“We made some changes that had an impact and we got a draw. I will have learned a lot so it was a great experience to have.”
Arteta also joked he will have to have a word with Gabriel Magalhaes (below) and David Raya over their handball mess-up.
Bayern were fuming when Gabriel somehow avoided giving away a penalty after picking the ball up in the box at a goal-kick, the referee arguing that the award of a spot-kick would have gone against common sense.
Arteta said: “The referee used the law and the law says to use common sense over whether you take an advantage from that situation. There isn’t an advantage.”
Arsenal currently top the table but only on goal difference, so there is plenty of pressure on their reunion with former boss Unai Emery at the Emirates tomorrow.
Leadership of the Premier League has changed hands a total of 18 times already this season and Arteta said: “Hopefully it stays as it is for the next six weeks!
Eighteen is a beautiful number. I like eight a lot as it was my number, so let’s keep it at 18. The players are excited about what we’re doing, about the way the team is performing and about winning matches.
“We know the challenge ahead of us and how good we have to be to win it. We’re going to try.”
Despite topping the table, Arsenal are second favourites in the title betting. Manchester City are 6-4, with Arsenal 7-4 and faltering Liverpool 9-4.
Bookies perhaps think that Arsenal have the toughest run-in given they still have to face Chelsea, Spurs, and Manchester United, the last two away from home.
And of their final seven Premier League matches last term, the Gunners lost three and drew one.