Former Arsenal full-back Sammy Nelson believes Mikel Arteta has the team looking “like they want to play again” as the Spaniard endeavours to instil self-respect at a club that lost its way during the “upheaval” of Unai Emery's reign.
Nelson, who took in 255 league appearances for the Gunners before making the switch to Saturday's opponents Brighton, has had to watch as his old side have fallen from grace since the heady days of Arsene Wenger's tenure.
Now, however, he believes that Arteta's experience in working under one of the best coaches in Pep Guardiola, coupled with his links to the club as a player, has the London side moving in the right direction once again, with the players more keen to play for the shirt.