Mikel Arteta being ‘calmer’ is helping Arsenal mount a stronger title challenge, says Gunners legend after his ‘hopping about transmitted itself to the players’ last season

Alan Smith has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s greater calm in the technical area is helping Arsenal in the title race.

The Gunners won 3-0 at Brighton to go top of the Premier League, with Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty, while Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard also scored.

Especially last season, Arsenal manager Arteta was known for being a lively figure in the technical area during tense moments of matches.

However, the 42-year-old now seems somewhat more relaxed, which Smith considers a very positive thing.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Arsenal striker Smith said: “I think it’s a good point about Mikel because last season and before that he was jumping around in that technical area, and it was almost transmitted to the players, wasn’t it? And they were getting a a little tense. He was showing pressure, but he’s a little calmer.”

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Karen Carney added that there was a lot of positivity coming from the Arsenal bench, with the coaching staff constantly praising the players for their actions.

Carney said: “There was a lot of positivity, the goalkeeping coach, everyone applauding.” “They don’t want any negativity.”

Arsenal, who are unbeaten in 12 Premier League games, are playing with great confidence heading into the latter stages of the season.

It is very tight at the top of the table, with Arsenal one point ahead of Liverpool (who face Manchester United tomorrow) and Manchester City.

However, Arsenal seem to believe they can go the distance in the title race.

They will now turn their attention to the Champions League when they face Bayern Munich at home on Tuesday in the quarter-finals.