Mikel Arteta admits it is frustrating that Arsenal’s players must settle in against the backdrop of incessant talk about Robin Van Persie.

Mikel Arteta

The Gunners have yet to score a goal this season, following up a goalless draw at home to Sunderland on the opening day with another 0-0 at Stoke on Sunday.

New signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have struggled to make an instant impact while Van Persie opened his account for Manchester United in stunning fashion at the weekend.

The contrast is obvious but with Santi Cazorla starring in midfield and two clean sheets to build on, Arteta believes there are plenty of positives for Arsene Wenger’s side.

The Spaniard, quoted in the Daily Mirror, said: “[Cazorla] is comfortable in that position, that free role. He has a lot of talent, you can see how good he is on the ball.

“We need to get him involved whenever we can because he can have a big influence.

“Lukas looked really good on the left. He was cutting in and causing problems. He had a couple of chances. We need to give them a bit of time.

“All the talk about Robin all of the time… you can get frustrated.

“Last year, [Cesc] Fabregas left. We all know what that meant. You cannot do in two games what it has taken eight years to create. It’s impossible.

“Robin is obviously a really good player. He scored almost every time we played in the league last year. It’s tough.”

Van Persie hit 30 goals to help Arsenal to third place last season but the Gunners actually have one point more than they had at this stage of the last campaign.

And Arteta believes there is no need to panic and rush to judge the new forwards too hastily.

Asked about Giroud, the 30-year-old midfielder added: “Look, it’s two games. In fact, he has started just one game. [Comparisons are] not fair on him.

“He has played 90 minutes here. He played 25 minutes in the last one. A striker has to be relaxed. He doesn’t need to be tense.

“Of course, you can’t replace Robin. We know that – it doesn’t matter who is brought in.

“Manchester United went for him at the age of 29. What does that say? There aren’t many bigger talents in the world.

“To replace Robin is an impossible thing because he’s a special player. You can’t ask anyone to be as good as him. I don’t think it’s possible.

“Last week, Olivier had a massive chance to win the game and he would have been the hero.

“And Lukas had a chance here. Personally, I’m happy because they look good.

“We need to find the right balance. You might be more creative, but you may become more open and concede more goals to get the right results.

“We have done enough to win both games, we have created enough. For me we have lost two points.”

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