Arteta wary of Toure threat

Mikel Arteta says Manchester City playmaker Yaya Toure is ‘one of the best midfielders in Europe’.

Arsenal take on City on Sunday, and the Spanish playmaker is wary of the challenge his side face at Etihad Stadium.

“When you look at their team now, the depth of the squad and the quality they have then it’s tremendous. So they are going to be a big test for us. They have so many different ways to hurt you,” the 30-year-old said.

While praising the overall depth of Manchester City’s team, Arteta singled out Toure as the biggest threat to Arsenal.

“He holds you and turns you and that’s the last thing you need to do. You need to play your position but not just let him play. It will be demanding but I’m sure they will be aware of us as well.

“For me, he’s one of the best midfielders in Europe.”

And Arteta believes Arsenal need to learn to ‘win ugly’.

“There are parts in the game that you cannot dominate for a number of reasons – you are a man down, you are playing against a good team, physically they overpower you, for whatever reason. But you get through that and you are still winning,” he said.

“And that’s a good habit, winning.”