Mikel Arteta eager to help Arsenal close the gap to Man United

Mikel Arteta is determined to help Arsenal close the gap on Manchester United next season.

The Red Devils held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium on Sunday in their first match after claiming their 13th Premier League title.

United are currently 21 points ahead of Arsene Wenger’s men in the table but midfielder Arteta is hopeful the north Londoners can finish closer to their rivals next season.

“I hope we can close the gap,” Arteta told Arsenal’s website. “Next season we have to improve on this current gap.

“They deserved it [the guard of honour before Sunday’s game] – they won the league with four games to go so they deserved the clapping. When someone does the job you have to congratulate them. This is the respectful thing to do.

“You want to be in that situation [where you] walk on the pitch and the other teams show respect because you are the winners. Hopefully, along with our young players, we will have the chance to do it.”

Arsenal travel to Queens Park Rangers in their next Premier League game on Saturday as they look to keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive.