Arteta Admits World Cup Break Has Come At Wrong Time For In-Form Arsenal

Arsenal are the most in form team in the top flight and will go into Christmas top of the Premier League table for the first time since the 2007/2008 season.

The Gunners are five points clear of second placed Manchester City after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 on Saturday while the champions suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

The break for the World Cup is likely to halt Arsenal's momentum, with the Gunners losing a good number of players for FIFA's flagship tournament.

Arteta is uncertain how his players will fare when they reconvene late in December.

"It's great to be where we are and we are enjoying that moment. Now we have a big break and we have to reflect on what we're doing and be prepared for after the World Cup," he said in his post-match press conference.

"Our aim is to play better as a team every day, to have better tools to do what we want to do. I can say it's been phenomenal to work with these players and staff.

"When a team is in that moment you want to carry on playing of course, but that's not possible. We have to use that time as best as possible.

"For those not participating in the World Cup they will have some time off which they fully deserve, and the rest can just fulfil a dream that every kid has to have the chance to represent their team in a national cup. It doesn't get better than that."

Arsenal's next Premier League game will come against West Ham United on Boxing Day.