Arteta says Arsenal were ‘better than I expected’ despite frustrating draw at Bournemouth to start his managerial career
NEW Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has declared that his new side were "better than expected" after drawing his first game in charge 1-1 at Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe's side had taken the lead through midfielder Dan Gosling's second goal in three games.
But the Gunners showed character to come back, with skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's close range strike sealing a deserved point for the North Londoners.
And Arteta, 37, declared himself pleased with aspects of his side's performance.
The Spaniard said: "I am pleased with a lot of things I have seen today and a lot of things we practised that happened today. I am not happy we have not won the game but happy overall.
"It's part of the process to learn when it's time and when it's not. In terms of attitude, desire and commitment it was better than I expect. They are not used to playing at this rhythm.
"I am still learning about the players, about the priorities to make them more secure when they jump on to the pitch.
"My only aim now is to find solutions, to attack better, defend better, I don't look at the games, the urgency, the impact, needs to be now."
O-YEAH-ZIL
Divisive playmaker Mesut Ozil was one of a number of players restored to the starting lineup by Arteta.
And the Spaniard had his say on the German's contribution.
He said: "His attitude since I’ve joined has been incredible. We believed he could be key and he responded and he could have created two or three goals.”
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The point wasn't enough to drag Arsenal back into the top half of the Premier League table as the season reached its halfway stage.
But the new Arsenal boss clearly feels there is reason for optimism at Arsenal.
Arteta's first home game in charge is on Sunday, when the Gunners host Chelsea in a London derby at the Emirates.