Arsenal

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has said he is a Gunners player "for now" amid speculation regarding his future.

The Gabon international moved to Arsenal in January 2018 and has been a huge success at the club. However, there have been rumours that this may be his last season in north London—that, despite his appointment as captain earlier in the campaign.

Aubameyang was asked about a possible departure on Wednesday following his team's 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League.

"The English press likes to talk a lot," he said to RMC (h/t Metro). "For now, I'm here. I'm 100 per cent here."

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Aubameyang wants to leave at the end of the campaign because he has ambitions to play in the UEFA Champions League again. 

While Arsenal were impressive in the 2-0 win over the Red Devils, even after the result, they are still down in 10th in the Premier League. As a result, they look unlikely to qualify for Europe's elite club competition next season unless they win the UEFA Europa League.

If Aubameyang is thinking about a possible change of club at the end of the campaign, it's not evident in his recent performances. James Benge of Football.London believes the forward is running himself into the ground for the team:

Inevitably Arsenal lack quite the same explosiveness they had in the first half. They're sitting deeper, finding it a bit harder to break out.

Still they're defending well as a unit, flooding the box. As was the case on Sunday Aubameyang is running himself ragged.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) January 1, 2020

As B/R Football highlighted, in the win over United, the Gunners lined up in an exciting attacking shape, with Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe featuring alongside the Arsenal skipper:

Games Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette and Ozil have started together: 1

Wins: 1 pic.twitter.com/fdRfKinn4d

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 1, 2020

New manager Mikel Arteta will be well aware of Aubameyang's importance to the team and will surely do all he can to keep the player at the club beyond this term.

The 30-year-old is one of the most dangerous forwards in the game, as he terrifies defenders with his searing speed and sharp movement. In front of goal, the former Borussia Dortmund man is one of the coolest finishers around.

Sky Sports Statto summed up how vital Aubameyang's goals have been for the Gunners this season:

Danny Ings is the only player to score over half of his team’s goals in @premierleague this season:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 INGS - 13 of 25 (52%)
🇬🇦 Aubameyang - 13 of 26 (50%)
🇫🇮 Pukki - 9 of 21 (43%)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Vardy - 17 of 43 (40%)#SOUTOT pic.twitter.com/ZhWEQ6XZT4

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 1, 2020

Aubameyang's attitude has been excellent of late, and it appears he is fully on board with Arteta's plans. Early in the new boss' tenure, the Gabon star has been asked to play up top and out wide, and he has thrived in both roles.

The issue for the Gunners is that Aubameyang's contract expires at the end of the 2020-21 season. It means that if they were to receive a big offer for the player in the summer, they would have to take it seriously before his value begins to diminish.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said it's been a long time since he saw Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil enjoy his football as he is at the moment.

The Gunners picked up their first win under the guidance of new manager Mikel Arteta on Wednesday, with Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis Papastathopoulos on the scoresheet in a 2-0 success over Manchester United. The win was enough to lift the team up into the top half of the Premier League table.

Ozil was at the heart of Arsenal's swift attacking play and offered a reminder of what he is capable, having fallen out of the team earlier in the campaign. Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Josh Thomas of Goal), Ferdinand said he thinks the German is relishing being out on the field again thanks to Arteta:

"It's freshened the place up, it went maybe stale under the previous manager, they maybe lacked belief in the manager's tactics and his methods.

"We've both been there under different managers where you think, 'I don't believe in what this guy's doing' and that takes an edge off a performance subconsciously. 

"The pictures we saw there when the whistle went with Arteta going on to the pitch—I've not seen Ozil smile like that for about 18 months. That tells you a story, he's enjoying going to training, he's enjoying playing. This kid here [Pepe], today he looked like a new player. That comes from confidence with the new manager."

"They were quicker, they were stronger, they were more aggressive. They're traits we've not been able to say about an Arsenal team on a consistent basis." 👊@rioferdy5 and @Persie_Official share their views on Arteta's debut win as the Arsenal boss... #BTAllDayer pic.twitter.com/giv4G50QD0

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 1, 2020

Here are the highlights from the clash on Wednesday, as Arsenal picked up a crucial victory:

So far, the season has been one to forget for Arsenal, with former manager Unai Emery struggling and eventually being sacked. Arteta took the job recently, although it's clear there's a lot of work to be done at the Emirates.

Although Arteta only took one point from his first two games, there have been some positive signs from the team. Against United, they stepped up a level again against a dangerous United side.

James McNicholas of The Athletic commented on the spirit that was apparent among the players and fans following the win:

Not seen scenes like this at full-time for some time. Arteta embraced by the players, a genuine sense of togetherness in the group.

What a great night.

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) January 1, 2020

Ozil epitomised that. Not only did he operate with his usual elegance on the ball, the 31-year-old worked hard to win it back, per Sam Dean of the Daily Telegraph:

Mesut Ozil regained possession 10 times tonight, more than any other #AFC player.

— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) January 1, 2020

Arteta will be relieved to have got off the mark with the United win and will be pleased with the manner in which key players appear to be reacting to his methods.

Getting senior figures on board early in his tenure was always going to be crucial to him enjoying a strong start as boss. If Arteta can get Ozil working hard and weaving his magic on a consistent basis, he is capable of having a hugely positive impact in the remaining weeks of the season.

Mikel Arteta doesn't think Granit Xhaka is going anywhere during the January transfer window, despite rumours linking the Arsenal playmaker with Hertha Berlin.

Arteta's addressed speculation about Xhaka's future following the Gunners' 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday:

Arteta on Xhaka's future: "Granit? I think he is going to stay." Adds that Xhaka has told him he won't leave.

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) January 1, 2020

Stating Xhaka has pledged to stay is significant, given recent rumours linking the Switzerland international with a return to the Bundesliga. Xhaka's agent, Jose Noguera, recently told Swiss publication Blick (h/t MailOnline's Tom Caldon) Hertha had agreed a contract with his client.

Noguera's assertion came in the wake of Arteta expressing a desire to keep Xhaka in north London, per Nick Ames of the Guardian. Arteta talked up Xhaka's importance, a sentiment he expressed again following the win over United:

Arteta says he has spoken to Xhaka and thinks the midfielder is going to stay at #AFC. "I am delighted to have him."

— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) January 1, 2020

Xhaka justified his manager's faith with an outstanding turn against the Red Devils. The former Borussia Monchengladbach ace dictated possession at the heart of the Arsenal engine room, forcing United players to chase shadows.

Granit Xhaka’s game by numbers vs. Man Utd:

100% final third pass accuracy
93% pass accuracy
8 ball recoveries
5/5 long balls
3 fouls suffered
3 tackles won
2 interceptions

One of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/3F85zkKf80

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 1, 2020

With his assured use of the ball, Xhaka gave the Gunners the hub of possession they missed during Sunday's 2-1 win at home to Chelsea. Arsenal took the lead against the Blues but were unable to keep it while being overrun during the second half.

Not having someone adept at keeping play ticking over meant Arsenal continually gave the ball back to the visitors. The importance of a player with Xhaka's skills was underlined by the effectiveness of Chelsea schemer Jorginho:

Possession

0-15 mins 53% Arsenal
16-30 mins 62% Arsenal
31-45 mins 66% Chelsea
46-60 mins 65% Chelsea
61-75 mins 68% Chelsea
76-90 mins 62% Chelsea

Jorginho subbed on 34th minute

— Orbinho (@Orbinho) December 29, 2019

Xhaka and Jorginho are similar types of midfielder. They both operate best deep but are defined more by technique than defensive discipline.

Xhaka's aggression and lapses in concentration when tracking runners have often put him at odds with frustrated Arsenal fans. Tensions boiled over when Xhaka reacted negatively towards fans who jeered him when he was substituted during October's 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace.

Although he later apologised, Xhaka lost the Arsenal captaincy because of the incident.

The following is a message from Granit Xhaka... pic.twitter.com/YG5lBKmQvi

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 31, 2019

Arteta has offered Xhaka a fresh start and made the 27-year-old feel valued again. Granting him more freedom in the middle has helped, something Arteta has achieved by restoring Lucas Torreira to the holding role and relieving Xhaka of many of his defensive duties.

It's early days, but Arteta's approach is bringing the best out of a player who is essential to the kind of slick, possession-heavy game he wants the Gunners to play. Keeping Xhaka through the winter window will be key to the rest of Arsenal's season.

Arsenal are reportedly set to be without defender Calum Chambers for the remainder of the season due to injury. 

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the knee problem picked up by Chambers in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Chelsea is likely to leave him sidelined until the summer, in what is a huge blow for the team and manager Mikel Arteta.

"The defender underwent a series of tests on Monday, and there are growing concerns he has suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament," Mokbel wrote. "... The news will see Arsenal ramp up their search for a new central defender when the transfer window reopens on Wednesday."

Arsenal reportedly hold an interest in RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who could be available for around £40 million. 

The Gunners are also said to be "exploring the possibility" of bringing William Saliba back from his loan spell with Saint-Etienne; Arsenal signed the defender in the summer from the French club before agreeing to send the 18-year-old back on loan for the 2019-20 season.

Arsenal have endured a campaign to forget overall and sit in 12th in the Premier League. However, Chambers has been one of the team's best individual performers, excelling since returning to the club after a loan stint with Fulham.

James Benge of Football.London commented on how well Chambers had been playing against Chelsea before hobbling out of the game:

In recent weeks Chambers has been such an authoratitive figure at the back. He's got Abraham in his back pocket early on, pinching possession off him and winning the aerial battles commandingly. Really coming into his own of late. https://t.co/cWEiXwggoe

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) December 29, 2019

The issue for Chambers will add to what is a growing list of absentees at the back for Arsenal. At the moment, they have Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Sead Kolasinac and Sokratis Papastathopoulos sidelined.

Shokdran Mustafi was the man who replaced Chambers in the loss to Chelsea. He has struggled for form in recent years and could partner the erratic David Luiz at the base of the team when Manchester United visit on New Year's Day.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future at Arsenal is reportedly in doubt, with the player said to be keen to play UEFA Champions League football next season. 

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, new Gunners boss Mikel Arteta faces a serious challenge to keep the Gabon international at the Emirates Stadium.

"He has 18 months remaining on his contract and is desperate to play Champions League football again," said Law. "That is looking increasingly unlikely to happen at Arsenal next season, even though the club still believe they have time to qualify."

Law reported Aubameyang has promised to give everything he can to the Gunners before a possible summer departure. The 30-year-old was handed the club captaincy earlier in the campaign after the armband was stripped from Granit Xhaka.

Arteta would have been delighted with the forward's performance on Sunday in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea. The striker opened the scoring, before the Gunners eventually let the game slip away late on:

👌 PIERRE THE POACHER!

Nice corner from @Arsenal and after an excellent flick-on Aubameyang is on hand to head home!

📺 Watch on Sky Sports Premier League
📱 Follow #ARSCHE here: https://t.co/0VwpIUZxNZ
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/ZSnqrzYYOv

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2019

Aubameyang was used on the left wing in the match and was happy to work back and put in a defensive effort, per The Tactical Times:

Aubameyang's first half touch map vs. Chelsea

26 touches
1 goal
2 shots (1 on target)
2 interceptions
2 tackles (1 won)
2 blocks
12/14 accurate passes
2 losses of possession

Involved. pic.twitter.com/OOK4JEzLFq

— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) December 29, 2019

Since arriving at Arsenal in January 2018, the former Borussia Dortmund man has been one of the most dependable finishers in the Premier League. 

Aubameyang is renowned for his raw speed and acceleration, although he's showed off his composure in front of goal frequently in English football's top flight. Last season, he was the joint-top scorer in the Premier League, sharing the accolade with Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane with 22 goals.

If he was to leave, Aubameyang would leave a significant void in the Arsenal squad. Per the Premier League Twitter account, nobody has been more prolific than the Gunners skipper since his arrival in England:

Top #PL goal-scorers since @Aubameyang7's debut:

45 - Aubameyang
44 - Vardy & Salah
37 - Kane pic.twitter.com/QHBVFiCtax

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2019

Arteta has a number of issues to resolve on the field in the early weeks of his Arsenal tenure. Off the pitch, finding a way to convince Aubameyang to stay at the club could be his biggest challenge.

The striker has at least spoken highly of the work being done by the new boss:

Aubameyang in his programme notes: "[Arteta has] only been in charge for a few days but we've seen a bit difference already. We needed someone who would come in and shake the whole squad up. Someone with new ideas, with a new message."

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) December 29, 2019

For the player, a desire to play in the Champions League is understandable given he's an elite forward in the peak years of his career.

With Arsenal 12th in the Premier League at the moment, it appears unlikely they will be involved in the competition in 2020-21. With that in mind, not to mention Aubameyang's contract situation, it may prove difficult to hold on to their star man over the summer months.

Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka has spoken of the influence new manager Mikel Arteta is already having on the club's players.

The new coach has endured a challenging start to life at the Emirates Stadium, having taken just one point from his first two games in charge.

However, speaking about the work being done away from matchdays, Saka has said Arteta is having a big impact and is already helping refine certain aspects of his game, per the official Arsenal website:

"He's someone who understands the players, understands the club and all the ideas that he's bringing in. He has a clear strategy of how he wants us to play, and we're just really excited to work with him.

"He's teaching us little things that we didn't know before and just bringing in his own strategies, his own ways of playing. We can see that it's going to work, we're just looking forward to doing it. 

"Maybe one thing that I've picked up straight away is that when nobody's pressing you, you don't need to pass the ball. What you can do is just get the ball, drive the ball forward a bit and wait for someone to come to you, commit a player, then pass it."

Arteta appeared to be on course for his first win as Arsenal boss on Sunday against Chelsea. However, an early goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was cancelled out by strikes from Jorginho and Tammy Abraham late on:

For Arteta, turning things around quickly was always going to be a big challenge. Not only does he appear intent on implementing a different blueprint to his predecessors, there are big issues in the Arsenal squad that need resolving.

James McNicholas of The Athletic noted Arsenal appeared to be struggling with the intensity the new manager wanted them to operate with:

I think sustaining the intensity of the first half at this point in the schedule was always unlikely.

Worked hard, organisation was better, but frustrating to let it slip. Ah well. This is still barely even the beginning.

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) December 29, 2019

It means that it may be a while before we see the best of Arteta's Arsenal, especially with so many fixtures on the calendar at this point in the campaign.

All the indications are that Saka will play a big part in the squad, having broken into the starting XI this term. The 18-year-old has filled in at left-back recently, albeit he's typically operated as a midfielder or forward.

Per football writer Zito Madu, the youngster still needs to improve when it comes to his final ball:

I like Saka and he's very young but he's been so wasteful today. That final pass after good play has gone nowhere. And to be fair, Nelson has been the same as well.

— Zito (@_Zeets) December 26, 2019

With injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac, it's likely Saka will continue to operate in defence for a while yet. 

He'll face a big test on Wednesday when the Gunners host Manchester United in the Premier League. The attacking trio of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James have the ability to cause big problems for what has been a brittle Arsenal back line.

Arsenal defender David Luiz has said his manager, Mikel Arteta, will become "one of the best coaches in the world" despite failing to win either of his first two matches in charge of his old club. 

Arteta, 37, was recently appointed as the permanent successor to Unai Emery, but he has thus far failed to improve their run of one victory in 15 games.

Brazil international Luiz, 32, spoke to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison after Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat in Arteta's home debut as coach on Sunday, predicting big things for the new chief:

"For me, Arteta is going to be one of the best coaches in the world. I have had the opportunity to have many coaches during my career.

"He is intelligent. He was a player. He is clever. I think he's going to be one of the best, but it's part of our job to help him do that, especially in the beginning because everybody doubts.

"But I really trust in this philosophy. I really trust in the way he sees football. That's why we could see Arsenal dominate the first half with amazing football, with a lot of quality."

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's second strike in as many games saw Arsenal lead at the Emirates Stadium until Jorginho and Tammy Abraham scored in the 83rd and 87th minutes, respectively, to complete a memorable comeback:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZmunB6R1sM

Arteta's side drew away to Bournemouth (1-1) in his first game at the helm, with fifth-place Manchester United set to visit on Wednesday evening.

The north Londoners will begin 2020 sat 12th in the table, and former Gunners midfielder Arteta expressed his disappointment leaving Sunday's clash with no points:

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is "very disappointed" by his club's performance after conceding two late goals at home against their west London rivals Chelsea pic.twitter.com/9bPYdwaMd7

— PA Dugout (@PAdugout) December 29, 2019

Luiz added the incumbent manager "knows football," acknowledging the ex-Manchester City assistant faces a difficult task taking over a squad he had no influence in assembling.

The Daily Star's Paul Brown referenced Arteta's reputation at the time of his Arsenal appointment, despite this being his first senior coaching position:

A new era for #AFC. They’re taking a risk on #Arteta because of his lack of experience. But it’s one that could pay off handsomely if he gets it right. Very highly thought of in football circles https://t.co/UiFfMue6MD

— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) December 20, 2019

Luiz has been a constant in Arsenal's defence this season and is hugely important to the club, with fellow centre-backs Calum Chambers, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Rob Holding each injured.

It's possible 22-year-old Konstantinos Mavropanos could make just his fifth Premier League start when United visit on Friday, with Arsenal's injury list an area of concern for Arteta.

Arsenal need a quick turnaround to close the 11-point gap between them and fourth place, though investing in Arteta's long-term vision may mean UEFA Champions League qualification eludes them this season.

Mikel Arteta has "installed energy" at Arsenal since being appointed manager, and the Gunners squad "all believe in" the Spaniard, according to midfielder Joe Willock. 

Former club captain Arteta succeeded Unai Emery as Arsenal's permanent boss just before Christmas after Freddie Ljungberg spent six games as interim manager.

Arteta's first match on Boxing Day ended in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

Then on Sunday, his side threw away a 1-0 lead and squandered a good 80 minutes of play when they conceded twice to Chelsea in the last 10 minutes at the Emirates Stadium:

82' Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
87' Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea

Arsenal lost this game real quick. pic.twitter.com/pASlgXhY50

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 29, 2019

There were positives to take from the London derby, though, and Willock, who has appeared from the bench in both of Arteta's games in charge, talked up the impact the new manager has had, per Sam France of Goal:

"He's installed energy, he's installed being there for each other and different tactics. I thought we did it in the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half, but we pushed back and they got on top of us so it’s really disappointing.

"We all believe in him; we all listen and we all try to put the tactics he does in training on to the pitch. It's evident we tried to do it in the first half, but it's a long journey, we've only had a week with him and we're all looking forward to working with him."

Arteta's next test is a home fixture against Manchester United on New Year's Day.

In his capacity as one of Pep Guardiola's deputies at Manchester City, the 37-year-old watched from the sidelines as United beat the Sky Blues 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month.

City were unable to deal with the Red Devils' counter-attacking in the first half on that occasion, and if Arteta cannot work out how to keep the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James quiet, Arsenal could fall to another defeat.

Tammy Abraham's winner for Chelsea on Sunday came from a counter-attack that Arsenal failed to deal with after Bernd Leno's error had gifted Jorginho the equaliser:

Bernd Leno has made more errors leading to goals than any other #PL player since August 2018 😬 #bbcfootball #MOTD2 #AFC pic.twitter.com/MOKQ3fWCHL

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 29, 2019

Arteta cannot legislate for individual errors that may occur against United, but he can drill his players to be better prepared to counteract one of the quickest attacks in the league.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said the club is "here to help" record signing Nicolas Pepe but has challenged the winger to show more consistency.

Pepe became the Gunners' most expensive acquisition ahead of the campaign, with the Ivory Coast international arriving from Lille for £72 million.

However, Pepe has endured a challenging start to life at the Emirates Stadium, netting just two goals in the Premier League. The team's struggles have done little to help him make a smooth start to life in England.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Chelsea, Arteta said Pepe needs to find consistency, per Sam Dean of the Daily Telegraph:

"It was obviously a big change for him to come here from France. He found a team that, at that moment, was not performing at their best. The environment for him to settle was not ideal.

"It is not only about him. We are here to help him. If he is willing to learn, if he is willing to work hard, I am sure he has the potential to be top, absolutely top. Against Bournemouth [as a substitute] he showed in two or three actions how good he can be. But he has to be consistent."

Arteta also said he wants to see strong displays from the 24-year-old in training: "If he trains well enough to convince me, then I have confidence in him."

Pepe did show what he was capable in Arsenal's most recent Premier League win, scoring one goal and setting up another in a 3-1 victory at West Ham. He produced this brilliant left-footed finish to put his side ahead in the game:

Nicolas Pepe curls in an absolutely beauty for his first away goal in an @Arsenal shirt!

📺 Watch on Sky Sports Premier League
📱 Follow #WHUARS here: https://t.co/HJ3uRAl7fr
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/sZKqEswaUd

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2019

However, those high points have been rare, with the penetration and productivity that made him so sought-after while at Lille missing for long spells of the season. Overall, Pepe has found the pace of the Premier League difficult to adapt to, with his decision-making often erratic.

James McNicholas of The Athletic said Arsenal supporters are itching to see more of their big-money acquisition, although a managers clearly have reservations about starting him:

By the way, I don’t think Pepe starting on the bench today means much at all. I’m sure he’ll be back in the side before long. Just interested by the response to Arteta’s decision.

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) December 26, 2019

As the Tactical Times Twitter account noted, Gunners supporters are still waiting for a complete performance from the winger:

And let's not forget that Nicolas Pépé hasn't exactly impressed since his move to Arsenal. A number of really well executed finishes, we know he's capable of that, but not much by way of excellent, 90 minute, accomplished, confident performances.

— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) December 26, 2019

Arteta has a lot of issues to resolve at Arsenal, as they sit down in 12th ahead of Sunday's clash with Chelsea. Finding a way to draw more from a talent like Pepe will be high on his list of priorities.

Pepe started on the bench for Arteta's first game in charge at Bournemouth and was introduced as a second-half substitute. After talking up his talent ahead of the Chelsea match, it will be intriguing to see whether Arsenal's new boss calls on the club's record signing for what promises to be an intense contest.

Arsenal could have scored a bunch of goals thanks to Mesut Ozil's performance against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Boxing day, according to head coach Mikel Arteta. 

The Spaniard was in the dugout for the first time as Gunners boss, and he watched his side settle for a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

Despite dropping two points, Arteta singled out Ozil for special praise, per Football.London's Art De Roche: "When we were preparing and watching where we could hurt the opponent, we believed he could be a key point. Like this, he responded, did what he had to do and we could have put two or three goals in the net because of him."

Ozil's return to the lineup was one of the surprises sprung by Arteta in naming his first starting XI. The latter had watched from the stands when Arsenal drew 0-0 with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, with then-interim chief Freddie Ljungberg taking charge.

Ozil didn't play against the Toffees because of an injury, but Ljungberg said he wouldn't have picked him anyway, following the player's sullen reaction to being substituted during the 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City earlier this month:

Ljungberg on Ozil: “He walked off, took his things and kicked them. I said at Arsenal, that’s not how we behave. Mesut was injured but I would not have picked him for the squad because I want to make a stance that that’s not what I accept from an Arsenal football player." pic.twitter.com/oyVmGikUGu

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) December 21, 2019

Arteta said he has been impressed by Ozil's commitment thanks to the 31-year-old's application since he took over training: "To be fair, his attitude in training since the day that I walked in the building has been incredible. I've seen this and I said I would give a clean slate to everybody and that was for him too."

Ozil was still substituted against the Cherries, making way for academy graduate Joe Willock in the 75th minute. Yet the context around this change was different, with it being made not in response to a subdued display from Ozil, but rather after he had been the best player on the pitch in an Arsenal shirt and justified Arteta's faith.

Arteta would have felt vindicated by the way Ozil got on the ball early and often. He used possession well, effortlessly threading passes between the lines to release runners in the final third.

Mesut Özil created four chances from open play against Bournemouth, the most by an Arsenal player in a single Premier League game so far this season.

Another positive, despite the result. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/lhwlli3Qq2

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2019

Ozil routinely chose the right option and made himself the catalyst for the stylish and creative game the Gunners had lost somewhat since Arsene Wenger stepped down in 2018.

Arteta is trying to recreate the expressive football Wenger favoured, as well as the slick possession game he learned as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Both approaches rely on artful and forward-thinking use of the ball, qualities Ozil possesses in abundance when he's fully motivated.

Getting Ozil back on track is an obvious priority. It will require having a secure platform in midfield to afford his mercurial skills freedom, something Lucas Torreira provided against the Cherries:

No Arsenal player made more tackles, more interceptions or made more recoveries vs. Bournemouth than Lucas Torreira.

A big positive for Mikel Arteta. 🧉 pic.twitter.com/dZmFpzHCl9

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2019

The next step will be to restore confidence and coax greater desire and consistency from Arsenal's highest earner. It's early days, but Arteta and Ozil already appear to be winning each other over.