Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is impressed by how Chelsea have evolved over the course of this season.

While the Blues lost the FA Cup semi final to Manchester City, they put in a creditable display.

They are still in the hunt for an outside chance at finishing in a European position in the Premier League.

As the two teams meet in midweek, Arteta stated: “Huge improvements. They deserve to be in a much higher position in the league when you look at what they have done and what they produce in games.

“They have a reached a final, they have reached a semi-final, they could have gone through. I think what Mauricio [Pochettino - head coach] is doing is really impressive and I'm sure that he is going to get them there."

He added on facing Pochettino: “Enjoy? I need to play against him and he needs to play against me.

“It is two huge clubs, it is a London derby and a massive game for us so we have prepared the best possible way."