Declan Rice plea over Mikel Arteta speaks volumes as he sums up what Arsenal boss is really like

Declan Rice has fired a warning to doubters of Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

Declan Rice has warned against judging Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta. The England midfielder has tipped the Spaniard to become one of the most successful managers in the world.

The Gunners are looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend as they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Arsenal could find their cushion at the summit reduced to one point, should Manchester City beat Newcastle United, before they host their rivals in the North London Derby.

In each of the last three seasons, Arsenal have finished second in the English top-flight but Rice has warned against pre-judging the former midfielder as he touted the 43-year-old to ‘win everything’.

He said: “I think I’m very lucky to say that I’ve been able to play under him.

“This is the manager who is young in his managerial career still but I think when it’s all said and done, he will go down as one of the best.”

The England international offered insight behind the curtain into the meticulous methods of Arteta, who worked under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium before making his move into management.

Arteta said: “It’s only the start like I said, don’t judge him now, judge him at the end when he’s won everything because he will. He is just incredible, tactically, everything he does, the way he sets you up.

“I go onto the football pitch and all I have to worry about is playing football, I know everything tactically.

“It’s like a remote control in my head, he’s built it into me, like he’s built into every player.

“Every time you go on the pitch, you know what you’re doing that’s down to him, I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Arteta faces his next challenge when Thomas Frank’s side visit the Emirates Stadium for the first North London Derby of the season. However, he will have to do it without one of his central points as Gabriel faces a spell on the sidelines.

Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are in contention to deputise in the absence of the defender after the Brazilian stopper was forced off during the win over Senegal during the international break.

The Arsenal boss said: “Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the national team. He will be out for weeks.

“We need to have another scan next Wednesday. We will have the timeline much more clearly than we have at the moment.”

Mosquera has had Premier League experience this season, making seven appearances including a two-minute cameo against Sunderland.

Ecuador international Hincapie has mustered just two appearances in the league so far – both off the bench.