Arteta upbeat on top-four hopes
February 03, 2012 11:12:22 UK
Mikel Arteta believes under-performing Arsenal can still finish in the top four this season despite their recent stuttering form.
And as manager Arsene Wenger prepares to welcome several players back from the injury sidelines, the Spaniard insists the team can go on to enjoy a successful season.
Arteta started for the first time in a month against Bolton and left-back Kieran Gibbs is close to a return after groin surgery.
Wenger said: "Combining the league, FA Cup and Champions League will be difficult so it is important we don't have more injuries. We now have Sagna back, Gibbs is not far, Arteta is back so overall I hope we can cope with it."
The Gunners are 1.03 to finish in the top four of the Premier League and 1213.00 to win the FA Cup. They are also 1213.00 to claim this season's Champions League.
When you get one chance, especially away from home, you have to take it.
Mikel Arteta
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Arteta, meanwhile, wasn't happy with the goalless draw against Bolton, declaring: "You are not going to get 15 chances. When you get one, especially away from home, you have to take it.
"We should win against Blackburn on Saturday but we should have won at Bolton. We know they are going to make it really tough because they are in a relegation battle and we know how hard a team works in that situation."
Arteta is confident Arsenal can finish in the top four, but added: "It is going to be tough but it depends on us.
"We have got the talent and the quality to do it but we have to show it day by day. I am confident because we train together everyday and I know how good we are but we have to show it every day, not every two or three weeks."
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