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Mikel Arteta praises full-back pair Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson

By Liam Power, Reporter | 20 September 2012

Arsenal vice-captain Mikel Arteta is delighted with the form of young defensive duo Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson in the early weeks of the season.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has praised the early-season form of defensive duo Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs.

The young full-back pair have been ever present so far for the Gunners this season, forming a key component of a defence that has conceded just once in four Premier League games.

Arteta believes that their form has been a huge factor in Arsenal's defensive improvement in the early stages of the new campaign.

He told the club's official website: "I think Gibbsy has been playing really well. I think he's finding himself more comfortable going forwards. He's rapid and can make a big difference. It's tough for a wide man to defend against a full back like him.

"Carl is finding himself more comfortable. He's had four or five games under his belt, he's done a whole pre-season with us and you can see he's confident. Against Montpellier he put a brilliant cross in for Gervinho to score the goal.

"I think they've been really good, the challenge is to maintain the level and to keep up to the high level. I think that's very difficult."

Arsenal travel to reigning champions Manchester City this weekend, with both sides trying to maintain their unbeaten domestic records.