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

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.