Mikel Arteta defends his low-block tactics against Man City – and insists trying to attack the champions with 10 men is like ‘wearing flip flops and shorts’ in winter

Mikel Arteta has mocked critics of Arsenal’s recent playing style as he compared calls to attack Manchester City with 10 men to wearing ‘flip flops and shorts’ in the rain.

The Gunners came under fire after the 2-2 draw last Sunday having retreated to their own box following Leandro Trossard’s second yellow card for kicking the ball away just before half-time.

Ahead of Arsenal’s match against Leicester on Saturday, Arteta said: ‘I want to win. The way we prepare the games and the way we want to play — in our way.

‘But understanding the context. I want to wear flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt, but with this weather? I think I would be very silly to do that. “I am very brave” — yeah, but tomorrow you are sick.’

The use of dark arts have dominated the conversation of late. Arteta hinted they could be used on Saturday when asked about combating a low block.

With his team down to ten men, Arteta had to adopt a defensive style of play against City

‘(There) are solutions on paper, and this game is so unpredictable that to break them down, there are ways that are not in the book — that is the nicest thing I would say,’ he said.

Mikel Merino has been pushing Arsenal staff to let him out ‘the cage’ as he has a chance of returning next week from his fractured shoulder in a major boost for the club.

The midfielder has been made to wait for his debut since signing from Real Sociedad after suffering a freak injury in his first training session, Gabriel having landed on him.

But according to Arteta, Merino could be back ahead of schedule for the north London club’s match against Southampton next weekend.

Ben White and Jurrien Timber are set to return to the squad following their omission for the 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton, while David Raya faces a late call on his fitness.

Arteta refused to rule out a similar approach when the Gunners face Leicester City on Saturday

Arteta added: ‘Tomorrow is too soon (for Merino). Next week we’ll see. He had partial training today. He’s been working so hard.

‘We are trying to keep him in the cage, because he’s been pushing everyone — the physios, the doctors, everybody — and he’s ready to go, and he really wants it. I think we are comfortable now to start exposing him with contact, and he looked really good in training.’