Arsenal's Mikel Arteta. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
Monday, February 11, 2013
7:30 AM
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta is very aware of the importance of March’s north London derby with Tottenham.
The Gunners trail the Lilywhites by four points but, if results go their way, victory at White Hart Lane would see them move ahead of their rivals.
Arteta said: “It’s a massive game. It could be decisive in the race for the top four. I know the manager’s record of always getting there but 10 years ago it was easier than it is now.
“Now there are so many more sides with equal spending power. There’s been a big improvement in English ¬football.
He added: “There is no other league in Europe where it’s as tough and no other league where the levels are as hard as her to get to the Champions League. Over here there are five or six top teams.”
“This [February] is the crucial month. Everything can look brighter at the end of this month, or really, really bad. We’re on a really good run. We have players hitting top form.”
Arsenal forwardTheo Walcott has made no secret of his desire to the lead the attack as he had done to great effect earlier in the campaign.
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