---
title: "Arsenal: Fans left excited after first game of the Mikel Arteta era"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-fans-left-excited-after-first-game-of-the-mikel-arteta-era/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Uways Nisar"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2019-12-27T19:30:00Z"
modified: "2019-12-27T19:30:00Z"
---

# Arsenal: Fans left excited after first game of the Mikel Arteta era

**Arsenal fans have been left excited after the performance in first game under head coach Mikel Arteta.**

The Gunners managed to salvage a draw after they went 1-0 down away to Bournemouth.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ position inside, rather than out wide, was one key aspect picked out by this one supporter.

> Maitland-Niles going very narrow when we have the ball, almost like an additional central midfielder. Very similar to how Man City use Kyle Walker.
>
> — Darren (@DF\_Arsenal2) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/DF_Arsenal2/status/1210221686156648453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Dan Gosling scored the opening goal of the game after the north London outfit conceded possession in their own half [(via BBC)](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50847253).

However, they soon pulled level when Reiss Nelson’s shot was deflected into the path of [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50847253).

Arteta, himself, spoke of his surprise at the high level of attitude, character and fighting spirit shown by the first-team players yesterday afternoon [(via football.london)](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/arsenal-press-conference-live-mikel-17474758).

Fans were left more than pleased with the performance shown by the side in the Spaniard’s first game in charge as they took to Twitter to react.

Here is a selection of tweets from the north London faithful:

> Seems like really positive signs from Arteta’s [@Arsenal](https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> We missed a lot of chances and fumbled at the back BUT I can’t help but be excited once Saliba comes in , Martinelli is back and Pepè is at peak powers.
>
> This will work.
>
> ArtetaEra [pic.twitter.com/8zTqi8tnDM](https://t.co/8zTqi8tnDM)
>
> — Acaii Asa Rose⚪ (@Asaroseofficial) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/Asaroseofficial/status/1210242494451113984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Plenty of reasons to be encouraged.
>
> — Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/PainInThArsenal/status/1210242432555716608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Decent performance. Some other day, Lacazette was scoring at least 2 of them.
>
> — JSR ☬ (@Diff\_KnockFC) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/Diff_KnockFC/status/1210241778638417921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Some positives tonight. Hope people aren’t reactionary – the team and Arteta needs our support
>
> — ²⁴ (@riessnelson) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/riessnelson/status/1210241998935846912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A good team tactics by Arteta
>
> Niles coming into the middle like City\
> Ozil thriving\
> Xhaka outstanding\
> Torreira being himself\
> Pepe came late\
> Laca not at his best
>
> Arteta will thrive if given the right players.\
> Good team performance ♥️
>
> — † (@XammyOfficial) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/XammyOfficial/status/1210242308895133697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> For the first time in forever, they played like a team, better football, high determination.\
> The result is a little bit disappointing but at least we move. [https://t.co/WQzOcMrCgK](https://t.co/WQzOcMrCgK)
>
> — Awal Mula. (@alfheyy) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/alfheyy/status/1210257913916227584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> On a positive note , at least we created enough chances to win the game also I felt we controlled the game better , very encouraging performance
>
> Nothing Arteta can do with Lacazette form he’s just need to learn quickly not to start him in an away game [https://t.co/N3e0r0eqL4](https://t.co/N3e0r0eqL4)
>
> — Different Knock FC- (@Gunner\_fc14) [December 26, 2019](https://twitter.com/Gunner_fc14/status/1210257026984693762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***Arsenal fans, what did you make of the performance from the side? Let us know your thoughts!***