Mikel Arteta 'holds clear-the-air talks at Arsenal'

Mikel Arteta has reportedly instigated clear-the-air talks with his Arsenal squad ahead of Sunday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.

Last weekend's defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers was Arsenal's fifth in 10 Premier League fixtures this season, a record which leaves them down in 14th position in the standings.

According to ESPN, Arteta quickly made the decision to hold showdown talks at the training ground in a bid to resolve any ongoing issues with his group of players.

Once Arteta had said his piece and left the squad to speak between themselves, several heated exchanges are said to have taken place.

Although there is a suggestion that the talks eventually reached a positive conclusion, supporters will want to see an immediate improvement in performance level.

Arsenal sit eight points adrift of their neighbours ahead to their visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.