MESSAGE & THE BOTTLE

Steely Arteta has his eyes on the prize, a calmer attitude and a squad with the depth to banish nearly-men tag

- SANDY DUNN

EVER since we all began publishing league tables after one round of games, reading too much into early-season results has become an increasingly infectious disease.

Twelve match days into the Premier League and Nottingham Forest are on their third manager, for goodness sake.

After tomorrow night's Manchester United-Everton contest completes the latest round of games, every topflight team will have 26 left. There will be a long, long way to go.

So, why does today’s north London derby somehow feel particularly significant for manager Mikel Arteta?

Well, there is a simple answer.

Until his Arsenal team have an unassailable lead at the top of the Premier League table, EVERY game will be particularly significant for Mikel Arteta. Eleven matches in for Arsenal and it is already squeaky-bum time.

Considering that the Gunners have not lost a Premier League game since August 31 - the 1-0 reverse at Anfield their only defeat in any competition this season - that is a faintly ludicrous thing to say.

But so many people are saying that if Arsenal fail to win it this season, then Arteta will never have a better chance.