Mikel Arteta says Arsenal can’t relax as hot streak continues

FLYING ... Mikel Arteta

MIKEL ARTETA has warned Arsenal's flying stars not to take their foot off the gas.

The Gunners are on a sensational seven-game winning streak.

It has seen them build up a three-point cushion over Spurs in fourth — who they trailed by 10 points just five weeks ago.

Now Arteta, who scored in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, insists there must be no let-up.

The Spaniard said: "If anyone thinks it's all done now, then they are making a big mistake.

"We can't take our foot off the pedal now.

"We have won seven in a row now, which is very difficult in the Premier League nowadays, and we have done it well, playing some high-tempo football, but there are some tough, tough games coming up in our last eight matches."

Arsenal saw their Champions League hopes written off after a dismal start that saw them slip into the relegation places.

And Arteta is pleased that the Emirates fans finally have something to celebrate.

He added: "When you are winning, life is good and you can see that the fans are enjoying it at the moment.

"They deserve it as well because they were behind us when things weren't going right.

"Hopefully we can finish the season strongly because we have a group of players and staff who really mean business."

Arteta, a £10million summer capture from Everton, insists Arsenal dressing-room has stayed rock-solid — through the good times and the bad.

He said: "To be honest I was really surprised with the spirit when I came here — even when we were down it was so good.

"It is something you rely on because if you start blaming each other and shouting at each other it is not good.

"This group has always been positive, the manager has always been positive with the players and we have kept at it. We have the talent, we know we have the ability to win games and sometimes it is just about the balance in confidence.

"We have it all together now."

Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielnly looks likely to return for the Gunners for their London derby with QPR on Saturday.

He pulled out of the Villa win but boss Wenger said: "It was tendonitis.

"I don't think it's very bad. He woke up with big pain. We tried to push him to play but in the warm up he couldn't move.

"For the next game he should be all right."