Things have been on a downward trajectory before Arsene Wenger left the club but the Spaniard is doing very good work, based on Sammy Nelson.
Former Arsenal full-back Sammy Nelson considers Mikel Arteta has the group appearing”like they wish to play ” since the Spaniard endeavours to instill self-respect in a club that lost its way through the”upheaval” of Unai Emery’s reign.
Nelson, who shot in 255 league appearances for the Gunners before making the change to Saturday’s opponents Brighton, has had to watch as his previous side have fallen from grace since the heady days of Arsene Wenger’s tenure.
Now, however, he considers that Arteta’s expertise in working under one of the greatest coaches in Pep Guardiola, coupled with his connections to the club as a player, has the London side moving in the right direction yet more, with the players more eager to play for the top.
“Since Arteta played for Arsenal, he understands the culture of the club and knows the lovers,” Nelson told Brighton’s official site.
“He knows what he needs, and he did not receive the call for the manager’s job when Arsene Wenger abandoned, I think he gained lots of valuable experience working with Guardiola for another 18 months.
“He is his own guy and certainly he is trying to shape the group how he wants it. It has only been a few months and it is a slow procedure. It’s not straightforward. You need to take your time, especially being between windows. There’ll be players he needs to sign and to eliminate.
“However, considering the upheaval of this Unai Emery period he’s been doing well. The Olympiacos result another week was a drawback, but we seem as though the team wishes to play again.
“He is trying to bring back the confidence but also the connection with the supporters. They wish to see the players actually trying all of the time. If they see that, they will support you if you lose. Arteta is attempting to instill that honor for the club, the team, the fans, everyone — and respect for yourself.”
But while Nelson considers Arteta has Arsenal on the right track again, he also believes that his other former side, Brighton, should not be written off before Saturday’s Premier League showdown.
“You don’t know,” he added. “Results like Watford’s against Liverpool demonstrate that anything is possible. Nothing changes. Nonetheless, it’s horses for courses. Brighton had a fantastic result against Arsenal before Christmas and nothing is impossible.
“It could go either way depending on who turns up daily.”
