Robert Pires has revealed that he has been texting Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in the wake of Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.
The north Londoners relinquished top spot in the Premier League standings when goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland secured all three points at the Emirates Stadium.
"I sent him [Arteta] a message by WhatsApp," Pires told the Telegraph when speaking about the Gunners loss. "I told him, 'Mikel, it’s OK. We trust you. You have to keep your head up.’ We have to support him in these moments."
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The Frenchman also admitted that the trip to Villa Park will be a difficult task for the Gunners. "The game won’t be easy," Pires added.
Pires also spoke about the comparison between Arteta and legendary manager Arsene Wenger. "There are parallels," Pires said. "The idea, the essence of Arteta in terms of the game is almost the same as Wenger.
"When I see this Arsenal it reminds me of the Arsenal of my time. To play well you need talent and now they have it. This squad is built to attack, and this Arsenal is entertaining me.
"Arsenal have won against big rivals – they have character."
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