Mikel Arteta: Latest Arsenal win is proof Gunners need to be taken seriously

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has said that his side are full of confidence after their 3-0 win over Cardiff City stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points. The midfielder told the Evening Standard that the result was a “big statement” given that title rivals Manchester City and Manchester United have both dropped points at the Cardiff City Stadium this season.

Arteta conceded that many people don’t hold his side as title favourites, but insisted that the team have belief that they can compete:

“People are not talking about us but it is normal because we haven’t won the Premier League for many years so people are still reluctant to consider us title fighters but we know what we have in the dressing room,” said the Spanish midfielder.

“We know the type of desire and ambition we have at the moment and we have to keep going. We are doing great now.”

On Cardiff he said; “Every away game in the Premier League is very tough. Considering Cardiff beat Man City here and they drew against Man United, it just tells you how tough a place it is.

“For us, it is a big statement to come here and get the points and score three goals away from home is very important. We kept another clean sheet as well so we are full of confidence.”

Arteta has averaged four defensive actions per game this season, more than any other Arsenal midfield player.