Vermaelen- Arteta ndiyo injini ya Arsenal

Mikel Arteta akifurahia bao alilofunga Jumapili

Thomas Vermaelen believes Mikel Arteta has been a vital component in the Arsenal engine room this season.

Arteta was the hero on Sunday as his excellent late strike secured victory over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium - his sixth goal of an impressive debut campaign.

The Spaniard has been a virtual ever-present since his summer switch from Everton and Vermaelen thinks Arteta has been a worthy addition to the squad.

"He has been really important for us," said the Belgian. "He is not only important on the pitch but off the pitch as well. He talks a lot, he's an experienced player.

"He is really important in midfield because often you win and lose games in midfield."

Arsenal face Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday and Vermaelen is determined to ensure there is no repeat of the disappointing display at QPR last weekend.

"Every game is important for us at the moment and each one will be hard," he said. "You could see that at QPR, and we dropped points there, so Wolves will be the same.

"We have to be on the top of our game and play well there."

Wakati huo huo kocha wa Arsenal, anasema:

Mikel Arteta is starting to get the credit his performances deserve, according to Arsène Wenger.

The Spanish midfielder was Arsenal's matchwinner on Sunday, rifling home a low drive from distance to secure a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

That was Arteta's sixth goal of an impressive debut campaign at Emirates Stadium but Wenger says the 30-year-old's impact goes much deeper than that.

"He likes the game we play, he respects the game," the manager told Arsenal Player.

"I believe as well that one of the qualities he has that is not always appreciated at its right level is the focus. He has consistent focus from the first to the last minute to win, and that takes advantage of every mistake the opponent can make.

"His goal [against Man City] typifies that because he wins the ball as well and scores behind that, because he has a good concentration level."