When asked about Atletico manager Diego Simeone, Arteta expressed admiration for the Spaniard's achievements since taking over at the club. He praised Simeone's ability to create a clear identity for the team and his passion for the game.

"What he has done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding," Arteta said. "Not only what he has achieved, but the way he has done it. The identity he has created, they are simple and clear to identify because the manager is very much them. That's very difficult to achieve, he's been there 14 years and what he's done is incredible."

Arteta also mentioned that he looks up to Simeone as a manager, citing his passion and ability to transmit a willingness to win to his players.

When asked about Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League, Arteta emphasized the importance of focusing on the team's performance rather than external factors. He stated that he feels confident in the team's ability to deliver, but acknowledged that they need to prove it on the pitch.

Arteta also confirmed that defender Piero Hincapie will be available for selection against Atletico, having been given extra time to recover from a recent game.

Finally, Arteta discussed the team's improved consistency this season, citing the need to understand the reasons behind their previous struggles and implement changes to improve their performance.