Arteta observes midfield balance with brilliant trio

LONDON - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that his team's midfield will be key as he prepares for their English Premier League clash against Everton on Dec 14.

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The Gunners head into the match in good form, having beaten AS Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League on Dec 11.

They will face a fresh Everton side, whose league match on Dec 7 against Liverpool was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Before that, the Toffees thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0.

Sharing a rare insight into his team's dynamics on Dec 13, Arteta has faith that his midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard can make the difference.

"There've been a lot of new units recently... and I think they can play well together," he said, without confirming if all three will start.

"They will play again together for sure in the near future. Three very intelligent football brains. They like to play for others. You have players who can hold the ball in tight spaces and can play for others. Martin is exceptional in his timing and the high press."