Wenger: We’ll miss Arteta’s 90-minute focus

Arsène Wenger believes any team would be hit by the loss of a “real midfielder” like Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has been ruled out of Arsenal’s remaining four matches with an ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Wigan on Monday. Arteta has been an integral part of Wenger’s first-team plans since his summer move from Everton and the manager admits his injury is a bitter blow. “He is a player you don't like to lose because he is an organiser, a winner and has great qualities,” Wenger told the Official Matchday Programme. “He has 90-minute focus on the pitch and what typifies him well is the goal he scored against Manchester City. “He first won the ball back through complete focus on what the opponent will do and where he could lose the ball. He then finished the action and scored the goal. That is what I call a real midfielder, a guy who is always in the game.”