Mikel's speech therapy

MIKEL ARTETA has drummed into his players that they are still in pole position to win the Premier League title.

- RYAN TAYLOR and JOHN CROSS

The Gunners have managed just two points from their last three games after being hit by a serious case of the title jitters.

But Arsenal boss Arteta gave a rabble-rousing dressing room speech after the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, reminding his players they are still the team to beat this season.

The defeat saw their lead over title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa cut to just four points. But Arteta told his squad they must not lose their nerve or listen to any negative noise around them, as they gear up to get their title challenge back on track in a huge game at Leeds on Saturday.