Arteta - We’re optimistic, but realistic

By Lloyd Webb

Mikel Arteta has stressed the need for Arsenal need to remain grounded despite their fine recent run of form.

The Gunners sit in second place and are two points off Premier League leaders Leicester City ahead of their Boxing Day fixture at Southampton.

Arteta says Arsenal are determined to proving their doubters wrong this season - and will do so by remaining focused.

“There is a lot of optimism at the moment and you can feel it around the crowd, at the stadium, at the training ground and among the players, but we need to be realistic,” he said. "There are a lot of clubs involved in the title race so we have to play with the same desire.

"We’ve had to battle through some injuries lately but the team is showing great desire and great unity to go and silence those people who say we don’t have a chance. This season there hasn’t been a team who has been consistent from the start until the finish.

"We’re in a good position, a strong position, we really want it and we’re going to go all the way to try to win it. We know we have the quality to do it and we want to do it, so we just need to keep our focus.

"I always said that we had one of the best groups in terms of people and in terms of the team. We always look after each other and everybody is always ready to help one another. Mentally you have to be strong to deal with the setbacks we have had and the manager is the best one to lead us with that, and the players have supported him with a fantastic mentality.”

Southampton have struggled for form in recent weeks and are without a win in their last five Premier League games, but Arteta believes they will still pose a big challenge.

“They’re having some difficulties but it’s a really tough place to go and win,” he said. "We’ve experienced that in the last few years where we haven’t managed to win there. They have some quality players and at some point they are going to turn it around.

"We don’t want that to be on Saturday so we need to be ready for it. However, with games like Manchester City, we have realised that if you don’t focus then you pay the price in the Premier League. We have three home games afterwards, so we have to win this game."