Arteta wants string of wins to make Europe
WILDER IN CHEEKY BID
MIKEL ARTETA has told his stuttering Arsenal stars to start stringing wins together or risk missing out on Europe.
The Gunners make the short journey to Chelsea tonight having already lost to the Blues in the Spaniard’s short reign.
Arsenal have won just once under Unai Emery’s successor, with Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Sheffield United leaving them stuck in 10th.
And Arteta made it clear that picture simply has to change as soon as possible.
He said: “If you are able to win three or four games on the trot, then you are right up there.
“That’s the challenge we have but if we are not able to do that, then the dream of being up there is impossible.
“If Arsenal are not in Europe, it is a big concern for everybody.”
Arsenal are still in the Europa League but have not won back-to-back league games since the opening two fixtures.
They will kick off five points off a Europa League place and 10 shy of Chelsea, who are clinging to fourth spot.
Arteta added: “The margin is not that big. I’m always positive and I don’t want to think about things that I don’t like.
“We have a lot of issues to deal with at the moment, with other things, so I prefer to think things are going to go well and we are going to do what we want.”
Chelsea netted two late goals to beat Arsenal 2-1 in Arteta’s first home game in charge in December.
He also decided to look on the bright side as far as Mesut Ozil was concerned.
The £350,000-a-week former Germany playmaker has so far contributed zero goals and just one assist this term.
Arteta said: “I think he could have had more assists and probably more goals in the games he has played under me and has been a little bit unlucky but overall his performance has improved a lot.”
KYLE WALKER has been told by Chris Wilder that he can return to Sheffield United when he finishes at Manchester City.
The 29-year-old says he would like to end his career at his beloved Blades, having spent 12 years with them before leaving for Spurs in 2009.
Walker has been back to Bramall Lane to watch games this season and United boss Wilder said: “Kyle’s a Sheffield boy. I tried to tap him up when we played City but he said he’s got another couple of years playing there.
“He’s one I would take and I think the world of him. I’m sure we’ll be able to find a role for him when he decides to leave Manchester.
“He’s a top player and he has already said that he wants to finish what has been a brilliant career back at Sheffield United. Don’t count against it.
“He’s got my number and he knows he can phone me anytime.
“He’s still a top performer in the best league in the world. He’s welcome back here anytime.”
Walker returns to Bramall Lane tonight with City and Wilder says their other famous old boy, Harry Maguire, has also been back to see them.
Wilder recently met several former Blades players at a supporters’ dinner and says they are delighted by the team’s success on their return to the Premier League.
“A number of ex-players come back to watch us when they have the opportunity, like Kyle and Harry Maguire,” said Wilder.
“With some clubs’ ex-players, I get the feeling they don’t want the current crop to do well because they want to be remembered in a really good light as possibly the best players and the best teams.
“But I never hear that here. The former players are real supporters of the football club.
“I believe they’re enjoying watching us play and seeing our progression over the last three years to the Premier League.” Wilder is set to make Nottingham Forest defender Jack Robinson his second January signing.
The 26-year-old, who began his career as a trainee at Liverpool, has been told he can leave the City Ground with his contract due to expire in the summer.