by Layth Yousif in Norway
        

THE Arctic air is cool and crisp and lends a clarity to everything you survey in the pleasant northern Norwegian coastal town of Bodo. 

The same could be applied to the razor-sharp focus Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has right now. 

Fresh from the club’s momentous 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the weekend, the Gunners travelled to the Arctic Circle to take on Kjetil Knutsen’s Bodo/Glimt on their plastic pitch. 

While Arteta is firmly aware challenging tasks lie ahead domestically for his Premier League table toppers - including a tricky trip to Elland Road to face Leeds on Sunday, that saw him rest the influential Gabriel Jesus for the game in Norway – the boss is treating his Scandinavian opponents with respect. 

Not least because Arteta is bidding to finish top of Europa League Group A, thereby avoiding the need for an infernal February play-off by finishing runners-up. 

“What we are thinking is how we are going to win the game,” he said. “To win every three days in different ways, in different contexts, in different weather, in different competitions. 

“That’s the only way we are approaching it,” adding: “Every game is crucial. We avoid two extra games if we top the group.”

Arteta also refused to be drawn on a perennial thorn in his side, troublesome former striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, after video emerged of the new Chelsea signing being critical of the Arsenal boss, following the player's move from North London to Barcelona last season.

“People are free to discuss whatever they want,” said Arteta, adding pointedly: “I have never been in a better dressing room, it’s an absolute pleasure to be in this group.”

His captain Martin Odegaard certainly agrees. 

With a nod to the renowned clarity Arteta brings to the team, the Arsenal and Norway captain said: “We all understand what we need to do.” 

The 23-year-old has packed a lot into his career so far after making his Norway debut at 15, with a lengthy sojourn at Real Madrid punctuated with a series of loan spells before settling under Arteta in North London. 

“It’s been a while since I played here,” he said with understatement, after his peripatetic wanderings, adding: “I think the atmosphere will be good.”

Arteta agreed. Responding to a question from the Morning Star, the Arsenal boss relished the raucous challenge of an 8,300 sold-out Aspmyra Stadion in the shadows of snow-capped mountains on Thursday evening.

Praising the home support, he said: “They were really passionate [in London during their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal]. We are expecting a great atmosphere here.” 

Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal: 5.45pm kick-off GMT