Arsenal Vs Newcastle United: The beginning of Mikel Arteta era

In a scintillating second-half display, Arsenal ripped through Newcastle United to earn a 4-0 victory. Was this the beginning of the Mikel Arteta era?

There was a noticeable celebratory feel around the Emirates in the latter stages of Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle United. Olays serenaded the players’ passing moves, the entire team were in jubilant mood after Alexandre Lacazette broke his goalscoring duck, and the fans seemingly took to the new version of the Gunners that they have been waiting for since the end of the Unai Emery era.

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This was arguably the Gunners’ best performance of the season. The second 45 minutes, especially, was vibrant, pacy, dynamic, creative, and, most importantly, successful. Arsenal won a Premier League game by four goals for the first time since last February and have a positive goal difference for the first time since early November. Progress is being made.

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There are plenty of reasons for the growth and development of the team in recent weeks, but at the heart of it is the change in manager. The appointment of Mikel Arteta has revolutionised the club, from the tactical approach of the team on the pitch to the demands and expectations of all involved off it. London Colney is a very different place with Arteta in charge, and many of the changes have been for the better. Just ask the players.

Speaking in an interview following Sunday’s emphatic victory, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was asked if things have changed under Arteta. His answer left no doubt:

"“Yeah it’s changed. We feel better, we have an idea of playing and it’s very clear so we try to maintain this level. We’re happy to keep going like this.”"

This victory follows a two-week winter break in which Arsenal went to Dubai to conduct what Arteta described as a ‘mini-preseason’. As has been reported in the media, the training camp was widely viewed as a major success as Arteta began to implement some of his ideas into his new team.

On Sunday, striker Eddie Nketiah, who made his first Premier League start after impressing in training, spoke about the positive impact the Dubai trip has had on the team:

"“I think Dubai was great to get away with the team and bond together and spend some time away from the training ground. We learnt more about his ways and how he wants us to play and everyone’s got a clear understanding of what we need to do. It’s just about performing and putting it out consistently and after a good performance today, hopefully we can build on that.”"

It is quite clear, then: Arteta is having an impact on this team, and based on the performances they are beginning to produce, it is a very positive one. He started by solidifying the defence and improving the high press; then he transpired to fixing their playing out from the back, providing genuine passing combinations and options to build play from deep and progress the ball up the pitch; and now he is working on the offensive creativity, speed, accuracy, and incision.

Arteta turned losses into draws. Now he is turning draws into victories. And after the best performance of the season, following a highly encouraging two-week winter break, this might just be the start of the Spaniard’s era in north London.