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Arsenal’s new era under Mikel Arteta finally got up and running on New Year’s Day against Manchester United.

After a 1-1 draw versus Bournemouth and then a soul-crushing 2-1 defeat to London rivals Chelsea previous, the Gunners finally earned the victory their change in commitment merited.

For the first time in what felt like years, Arsenal looked like a team playing under a manager with a vision and an eye-catching philosophy, with every player contributing to the cause.

Defensively, they were not being peppered and in attack, they looked threatening every time they got on the ball in United’s half.

And one of they key men in both departments? Mesut Ozil. Yes, even in defence, because no player made more ball recoveries (10) during Arsenal’s 2-0 win!

The German playmaker has looked a changed man under Arteta, chasing every ball and looking like the Ozil of old with the ball at his feet.

It’s genuinely quite amazing how a player can look so different under a new manager.

Under Unai Emery – and even Freddie Ljungberg – Ozil simply looked disinterested, clearly frustrated at the lack of planning and the absence of a competent playing system.

But Arteta’s methodical approach and high-class coaching has created an environment for Arsenal’s array of quality players to thrive.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, David Luiz and more have all shown significant signs of improvement in just three games.

There’s been a positivity deficit lingering at the Emirates for some time now, but Arteta has certainly brought hope.

And an Ozil resurrection can help the 37-year-old boss achieve his short term goals for the season and help plan for the future.

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