Defence key to Europa League progress – Everton FC star Mikel Arteta

15 February 2010 10:00
Mikel Arteta 300[LNB]MIKEL ARTETA believes a rock-solid defensive performance at Goodison will be crucial to Everton's hopes of progressing to the last 16 of the Europa League.[LNB]The Blues entertain Sporting Lisbon in tomorrow's first leg and the Spanish midfielder knows they can't afford to concede a precious away goal.[LNB]Arteta came through his first start in nearly a year unscathed against Chelsea last week and he is relishing the opportunity to be part of the club's push for European glory.[LNB]'It's going to be unbelievable,' he said.[LNB]'It's a great chance for us and we need to go through.[LNB]'We're playing at home first, so we know that we can't concede any goals. We have the experience so let's focus on that.'[LNB]Arteta's return to the starting line up coincided with the absence of Marouane Fellaini.[LNB]The Blues are still waiting to discover the full extent of the injury the Belgian suffered in the Merseyside derby.[LNB]An appointment with a specialist in London last week was delayed due to the swelling around his ankle. Arteta admits losing Fellaini is a major blow but having got 73 minutes under his belt against Chelsea he is ready for action once again.[LNB]'Felli is injured and we are going to miss him, but at least we are getting players back and we are also happy for them,' he said.

Source: Liverpool_Echo