Mikel Arteta has been one of Arsenal's best players this season, seamlessly transforming into the holding player for the Gunners.

The Spaniard has been one of Arsene Wenger's best buys in recent years, and has shown his capabilities and talent time and again at the Emirates. For somebody that always stays calm under pressure, Arteta said it was that particular quality which helped Arsenal post a 2-1 victory over Montpellier in the Champions League.

Lukas Podolski struck the equaliser soon after Younes Belhanda had given the French champions the lead from the penalty spot. Then Gervinho made it 2-1 to the Gunners, to give Arsene Wenger's side a vital opening night win.

"We knew it was going to be tough, they were champions in France last year and that is no coincidence," Arteta told the club's official website.

"They work really hard, they have some talented players and scored the first one at home, which means it is always difficult to get back into the game.

"But we scored two brilliant goals and managed to get the result -- it was vital for us to get the first three points away from home.

"You can't panic, we knew in the last 25 minutes they were going to throw some bodies up front and create some problems. They missed a clear chance at the end but I am so glad to get the points, it is a brilliant way to start."

Arsenal next take on English Premier League champions Manchester City Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, and Arteta knows it will not be an easy game.

"It is going to be tough, City have not lost at home for a long time," he said. "It is big test, (we must) show our character.

"Last year we went there and were unlucky to lose. It will be tough, but they are the champions."

Per Mertesacker, who has kept Laurent Koscielny out of the starting line-up this season with some solid performances at the heart of Arsenal's defense, said his side were capable of pulling off a victory away to City. "We are convinced that we can stay in the league, at the top, and that's our target for Sunday," the German international said. "Last year we lost at Man City. It was a very tight game so we will try to do better this time.

"I feel like we are in a better shape than last year, because we are now in a good shape from the beginning (of the season). I think we are well prepared now."