Mikel is an extremely important player in our team because he has both sides that make a team good. He is consistent going forward, technically fantastic and he works very hard for the team. He is an organiser too and does the job defensively in vital parts. We look solid at the moment and he has to take a big part of the credit because he does both jobs offensively and defensively - with quality.
I've spoken about him before, I know, but I've been really impressed with Arteta's influence on the team and the consistency of his performances. He's not flashy, he's had to curb a more natural instinct to get forward – something he did at Everton because he was probably the most creative player in that team – and he has added such calmness and composure to the midfield as well as positional intelligence.
There was one moment in the second half against Dortmund when it looked initially as if Song had been left to mark two players as they came into our half. As it happened Song won the ball back but Arteta had dropped back, in front of the back four to cover and provide a defensive option had they managed to work the ball back inside. And it's things like that which go unnoticed but which have played a big part in our increased defensive solidity. A canny signing and one I wish Arsene had made two seasons ago. Better late than never though.
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