Mikel Arteta revealed he’s delighted to see Konstantinos Mavropanos thriving at West Ham after the previous Arsenal defender provided a potentially decisive moment within the Premier League title race.
The Gunners have opened up a commanding lead at the highest of the table following a dramatic turn of events on Saturday evening.
Record breaking teenager Max Dowman helped transform what looked prone to be a disappointing goalless draw against Everton right into a history making victory that, temporarily, sent his side 10 points clear.
With the pressure firmly on them, City were unable to reply on the London Stadium and were held to a 1-1 draw with the Hammers clinging on for a spirited point after their Greece international defender restored parity with a thumping first half header.
The 28-year-old joined the Gunners late in Arsene Wenger’s reign but hardlygot a likelihood under the legendary Frenchman or Arteta before he was sold to Stuttgart.
Asked in regards to the impact Mavropanos’ goal might find yourself having within the title race, Arteta said: ‘Yeah, very, superb character.
‘A player that was signed just before I arrived as well, and he had a long-term injury as well, and he didn’t get that many minutes, however it’s good to see him doing very well and that’s it, and all of the players which have been with us, wish all of them the perfect.’
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Arteta’s immediate focus, meanwhile, will centre on plotting a well beyond Bayer Leverkusen and into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
The tie is evenly poised after last week’s 1-1 draw and Arteta isn’t taking anything without any consideration despite his side holding home advantage tomorrow night.
‘Very much the identical and watching them play against Bayern Munich on the weekend, very similar,’ said Arteta when asked what Arsenal fans can expect of a side who held the runaway Bundesliga leaders on the weekend.
‘So again, very well coached, a team with a really clear structure, really good individuals.
‘Obviously we’re within the stage, within the competition that we’re in straight away, so we all know what we’ve got to do, and in front of our crowd, with our people, putting all of the energy on this planet again, hopefully we’re going to do it.’
With a lot riding on the consequence of the last two months of what has already been a grueling campaign on many levels, Arteta may very well be forgiven for struggling to take enjoyment from his side’s performances.
‘Yeah, I like those moments,’ said the Arsenal manager.
‘And when the team needs help and the gang is pushing there, I believe in any way that we will contribute, help, support the players, give them confidence and energy, we’ve got to be there.
‘I believe it makes a difference, and we noticed immediately the moment the gang got more relaxed, more positive, the atmosphere modified and the players began to make higher decisions and we managed to win the sport.’
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