FOUNDING FATHER

Poch Maur like a dad to Arteta

- JOHN CROSS

MIKEL ARTETA will face the managerial rival he regards as a "father figure" and one of the biggest influences of his career.

With more than 25 years of respect built up between them, the Spaniard is ready for his head-to-head clash with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino at the Emirates tonight.

Gunners boss Arteta, 42, met Pochettino when he first moved to Paris St-Germain as a teenager when the former Argentina international was a senior player.

Pochettino, now 52, took Arteta under his wing and the Arsenal manager has regularly turned to his former team-mate for advice throughout his career.

Now the pair will clash with Arsenal desperately needing a win to boost their title ambitions while Chelsea try to navigate a difficult season.

When asked whether Pochettino is a big influence, Arteta said: "For sure. One of the most, I would say.