I spoke to Mikel Arteta – this is how Arsenal boss is really feeling during ‘sitcky’ Arsenal patch

Mikel Arteta is feeling ‘relaxed’ and ‘positive’ ahead of Arsenal’s must-win Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday, according to Paul Merson.

The Gunners have struggled to capitalise on their bright start to the new season and can ill-afford to lose more ground in the race for the title.

Goals have been in short supply of late, highlighted by their failure to score in recent defeats at Bournemouth, Newcastle and Inter.

Martin Odegaard’s return after missing 12 games with an ankle injury represents a timely boost, but regardless of the Norwegian’s fitness, Arteta remains confident his side are on the right track.

Club legend Merson interviewed the Arsenal boss on Friday and was asked by Sky Sports how Arteta was holding up amid his team’s worst run of form for nearly a year.

‘Yeah very relaxed, very focused, very positive,’ said Merson. ‘It has been a sitcky patch but he’s very positive I thought they were outstanding against Inter Milan, the only thing missing was a goal.

‘Got to remember this Inter team probably should’ve won the Champions League a couple of years ago, went out against Atletico Madrid last year where they probalby should’ve won, missed chance after chance.

‘They’re a good team and sort of run them ragged but just couldn’t get the goal. It was great talking to him an absolute pleasure and he was very positive and very relaxed.’

Those positive sentiments were echoed by Declan Rice, who is hoping to overcome a toe injury having missed the midweek loss at San Siro.

He told Arsenal.com: ‘Yeah, we’re ready. It’s a massive game. Every time you play a London derby, it speaks for itself what it means.

‘You never want to lose one of them. Last season we had good results in our London derbies and it’s going to be important for us this season as well. We know as a group of players what we can do on the football pitch. 

‘We can get three points, go out there and play well. It’s about doing it on the day.

‘Chelsea are a really good team so we have to earn it, go out there and give it everything. I’m sure after the recent run of results we’re going to be up for it. We’re not going to need any extra fire to go out there.

‘We know what we need to do.’