Mikel Arteta delighted with the progress of Nuno Tavares

Tavares again shone in victory over Watford on Sunday.

Asked if the absent Kieran Tierney was still his first-choice, Arteta said: "Well, Nuno is playing because he deserves to play. He's been exceptional in all the performances where he has been given the opportunity.

"But I cannot say anything different with Kieran, Kieran has been superb for us. Kieran has been injured, he came back two days ago to do his first full training session.

"This is what we need - two top players that are raising the level in their position - and I'm happy with that."