Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has claimed that manager Arsene Wenger is not to blame for the team's disappointing form this season.

The Gunners, who are currently fourth in the table, go into Sunday's derby against Tottenham Hotspur 10 points behind their local rivals after a number of disappointing results.

"[Wenger] gave me the chance to join this club," Arteta told reporters. "The way he has been talking to the group of players has always been positive. I have no doubts that he loves Arsenal. He tries really, really hard to make us successful.

"Sometimes it is our fault that we don't win – like we don't put the ball in the net or make a mistake. It is everyone at the club who is involved. Everyone is affected.

"We have a difficult game against Spurs and we know what that means to the fans. But it is also a good one where we can try to rebuild our confidence. Yes, they have good players like Luka Modric and Scott Parker. But we have good players as well."

Arteta moved to the Emirates Stadium from Everton over the summer.