Mikel Arteta sends class message to former Arsenal star after West Ham’s draw vs Man City

Mikel Arteta revealed he is delighted to see Konstantinos Mavropanos thriving at West Ham after the former Arsenal defender provided a potentially decisive moment in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners have opened up a commanding lead at the top of the table following a dramatic turn of events on Saturday evening.

Record breaking teenager Max Dowman helped transform what looked likely to be a disappointing goalless draw against Everton into a history making victory that, temporarily, sent his side 10 points clear.

With the pressure firmly on them, City were unable to respond at the London Stadium and were held to a 1-1 draw with the Hammers clinging on for a spirited point after their Greece international defender restored parity with a thumping first half header.

The 28-year-old joined the Gunners late in Arsene Wenger’s reign but hardlygot a chance under the legendary Frenchman or Arteta before he was sold to Stuttgart.

Asked about the impact Mavropanos’ goal might end up having in the title race, Arteta said: ‘Yeah, very, very good character.

‘A player that was signed just before I arrived as well, and he had a long-term injury as well, and he didn’t get that many minutes, but it’s good to see him doing really well and that’s it, and all the players that have been with us, wish them all the best.’

Arteta’s immediate focus, meanwhile, will centre on plotting a way past Bayer Leverkusen and into the quarter finals of the Champions League.

The tie is evenly poised after last week’s 1-1 draw and Arteta isn’t taking anything for granted despite his side holding home advantage tomorrow night.

‘Very much the same and watching them play against Bayern Munich at the weekend, very similar,’ said Arteta when asked what Arsenal fans can expect of a side who held the runaway Bundesliga leaders at the weekend.

‘So again, really well coached, a team with a very clear structure, really good individuals.

‘Obviously we are in the stage, in the competition that we are in right now, so we know what we have to do, and in front of our crowd, with our people, putting all the energy in the world again, hopefully we are going to do it.’

With so much riding on the outcome of the last two months of what has already been a grueling campaign on many levels, Arteta could be forgiven for struggling to take enjoyment from his side’s performances.

‘Yeah, I love those moments,’ said the Arsenal manager.

‘And when the team needs help and the crowd is pushing there, I think in any way that we can contribute, help, support the players, give them confidence and energy, we have to be there.

‘I think it makes a difference, and we noticed immediately the moment the crowd got more relaxed, more positive, the atmosphere changed and the players started to make better decisions and we managed to win the game.’