Man City draw shows Arsenal are improving says Mikel Arteta

With the visit of Aston Villa looming on Wednesday, Pep Guardiola was also left to face the statistic that his side has only collected four points this season against the division’s top five - as opposed to 16 points in corresponding games last season.

IMPROVING: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on ahead of the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Photo credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta believes his side took a step towards a possible first Premier League title in 20 years in yesterday’s goalless draw at the Etihad.

The result lifted Arteta’s team to within two points of leaders Liverpool, with nine games remaining, and followed on from a 1-0 win over his mentor Pep Guardiola in the corresponding fixture in October.