Top target for midfielder

Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta is targeting a top six place for the side as they go into the busy Christmas period.

The midfielder, who saw team-mate Tim Cahill net a late winner against Manchester City last Saturday after being used as a striker, is delighted they are still in contention in the top half of the table despite a crippling run of injuries.

"We are still in the mix," Arteta told the Post.

"That was a really important game because we could have ended up losing three or four positions.

"As it is we remain close to the top six so hopefully we can keep going and have a good result against Chelsea.

"We were so happy in the dressing room on Saturday," the Spaniard added. "The reaction this season has been terrific.

"Every time we've had a bad game we have reacted as nobody could expect."