Mikel Arteta said he would be “depressed” if he focused too much on Arsenal’s recent record against the top clubs as he prepares for an FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners head coach needs to rewrite recent history if Arsenal are to beat holders City at Wembley on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won the last seven meetings between the two sides – with Arteta part of the coaching staff at the Etihad Stadium during the one-sided run.
Arsenal’s last victory in the fixture was the FA Cup semi-final meeting in 2017 and since then they have lost seven games, shipping 20 goals and scoring just twice.
“What David has done in this league has been incredible. Again, the level of consistency to play the way he has done with the amount of goals, assists and chances that he creates every single
season, in tight spaces against very low blocks, time and time again, is incredible.
“I always said – and I agree with what Pep said – in shorter spaces, he’s the best player that I’ve seen.”
Arteta also confirmed Mesut Ozil has returned to training having missed the last six games with what the club have described as “back soreness” – but he refused to say whether Arsenal’s highest-earner would feature at Wembley.
