Mikel Arteta hopes World Cup break will not halt Arsenal’s Premier League momentum

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he is hoping the World Cup break does not disrupt Arsenal’s momentum, after the Premier League leaders defeated Wolves 2-0 on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Martin Ødegaard, who will not be involved in this year’s World Cup, scored a second-half brace as Arsenal beat Wolves at Molineux.

The win in Wolverhampton extended the Gunners’ lead over Manchester City, who lost at home to Brentford in the early kickoff on Saturday.

There are two Premier League fixtures taking place on Sunday before the World Cup break. Brighton host Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium and Manchester United travel to London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

“I would train tomorrow but unfortunately they’re not here,” Arteta said. “I wish those going to the World Cup the best and they will look after themselves - I hope they enjoy it because it doesn’t get better than playing for your country.

“I don’t know (if the World Cup will disrupt flow), I’ll touch wood and hope for the best. When everyone is back we’ll assess where we are and go from there.”

Time for reflection at the Emirates

Arteta explained that it would give Arsenal time to reflect and prepare for the second half of the season.

“It’s great to be where we are and we are enjoying that moment. Now we have a big break and we have to reflect on what we’re doing and be prepared for after the World Cup.

“When a team is in that moment you want to carry on playing of course, but that’s not possible. We have to use that time as best as possible,” he added.

Arteta’s Arsenal return to action when they host London rivals West Ham on December 26.