ARTETA: ENGLISH SPINE’SGIVEN MY GUNNERS BACKBONE

MIKEL ARTETA has claimed the English spine to his new Arsenal team is part of the modern mix which has lifted the north London club into surprise Champions League contention.

Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale last week followed Bukayo Saka and Ben White (the four, left to right, above) in making their full England debuts.

And they return to club duty seeking a win at Anfield today to extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 11 games – and lift them above Liverpool into fourth place in the Premier League.

Previous great Arsenal teams had a strong core of home players with Arsene Wenger’s French revolution adding top foreign stars.

And Arteta (right) has slowly replaced the old guard with a new generation which blends the best of British – Kieran Tierney has been another vital signing – into a “multicultural team” with players from the academy and around the world.

“We’re an English club and we now have a lot of academy, home-grown and English players,” said Arteta.

“I think you have to respect that core, those values and that history as well. But that mixture, that multicultural team we have is very, very

beneficial and very necessary as well in modern football.”

And Arteta said the performances of his Three Lions – and notably goalscorer Smith Rowe – was a further vindication of Arsenal’s quiet progress.

“I saw him yesterday and he was delighted to score a goal for his country” said the Gunners boss. “It is always special and he made us proud.

“Not only him, but Bukayo and Aaron starting for the national team, it is a great sign for the club.” Liverpool this evening promises a very different challenge from the stroll in San Marino where Smith Rowe scored.

The last time Arsenal won at Anfield was in September 2012 when Arteta was still in the Gunners’ midfield. “It’s been a while so it’s time to do it again,” he smiled.

But in a Premier League table since Boxing Day, the Gunners would be fourth and after their worst start since 1954-55, the Champions

League rather than avoiding relegation has become the aim for Arsenal fans.

“For me, this is positive,” said Arteta.” It means there is excitement and they want to push us.

“This club is about being the best, not even about being fourth. So that mentality and drive is because of our history.

“Whether we can achieve it or not, we will see what we can do, but the level of expectation has to always be the highest.”

Arteta insisted his squad are in a better position to continue to challenge this season after going eight domestic games without a win at this stage last term. And he also welcomed the return of crowds to energise his young side.

He said: “I really see a big change and the impact that has on the team and the performances of the players is huge. That increases the level of our team.”

But the 10-match unbeaten run started after a 5-0 mauling at Manchester City. And Jurgen Klopp’s side will offer a real test of Arsenal’s ambitions this season.

“You have to be at your best, and raise the level to your maximum standards, emotionally, physically and tactically, because if you don’t you will be exposed,” added Arteta.

“Going to Anfield is always a test but, if you are able to do that, there are not many grounds as good to feel that you are a proper footballer.”