GIFTS OF THE GAB

Arteta is confident Haaland will not crack his Brazil nut

- BY TOM CANTON

MIKEL ARTETA refused to be drawn into comparisons to Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy, but has backed Gabriel to man handle Erling Haaland.

Believe you can win. That was the simplicity with which Arteta described the task at hand that his Arsenal side faces tomorrow when Manchester City arrive in North London.

History tells us, however, that these games have grown to become more than just about winning and losing and even greater than the impact on the title race. A rivalry that has existed exclusively in the modern era, brought about by their presence in chasing the top honours.