Mikel Arteta being 'calmer' is helping Arsenal mount a stronger title challenge, says Gunners legend after his 'hopping about transmitted itself to the players' last season

Alan Smith has claimed that Mikel Arteta's increased calmness in the technical area is helping Arsenal in the title race.

The Gunners won 3-0 away to Brighton to go top of the Premier League, with Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty, while Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard were also on target.

Especially last season, Arsenal manager Arteta was known for cutting an animated figure in the technical area during tense moments in matches.

However, the 42-year-old now appears somewhat more relaxed, which Smith believes is a huge positive.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Arsenal striker Smith said: 'I think it's a good point about Mikel because last season and before he was hopping about in that technical area, and it almost transmitted itself to the players didn't it and they were getting a little bit tense. He was showing the pressure, but he's a little bit calmer.' 

Karen Carney added that there was much positivity coming from the Arsenal bench, with the coaching staff constantly praising players for their actions.

Carney said: 'There was so much positivity, the goalkeeper coach, everyone clapping. They don't want any negativity.'

Arsenal, who are unbeaten in 12 Premier League matches, are playing with huge confidence as they enter the closing stages of the season.

It is extremely tight at the top of the table, with Arsenal one point ahead of Liverpool (who face Manchester United tomorrow) and Manchester City.

However, Arsenal appear to have the belief that they can last the distance in the title race.

They will now turn their attention to the Champions League as they face Bayern Munich at home on Tuesday in the quarter-finals.