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

Mikel Arteta 300MIKEL 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.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.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.'It's going to be unbelievable,' he said.'It's a great chance for us and we need to go through.'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.'Arteta's return to the starting line up coincided with the absence of Marouane Fellaini.The Blues are still waiting to discover the full extent of the injury the Belgian suffered in the Merseyside derby.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.'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