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Football London
Football London
Sport
Andy Ha

Arsenal fans name the four most improved players under Mikel Arteta after win over Man United

Arsenal's vast improvement under Mikel Arteta was evident in their 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis sealed the victory over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side but it was the manner of the Gunners' performance which was eye catching.

Under former boss Unai Emery, Arsenal were often criticised for their lack of identity on the pitch and their laboured build-up play.

But Arteta has quickly implemented a high-energy pressing game which has seen the Gunners impress in large spells against Chelsea - and on Wednesday night against United.

The former Manchester assistant head coach has transformed the side's style of football, but also contributed to the individual improvement of several players.

Mesut Ozil was marginalised under Emery and struggled to recapture his best form for much of this season, but Arteta's arrival has helped the German rediscover his spark.

Against United, Ozil recorded the highest average speed, the most distance covered and made more ball recoveries than anyone on the pitch with 10.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown was impressed and praised the playmaker after the game.

"Off the ball, rarely have you seen Ozil work this hard," Keown said on BT Sport.

"He's the spare man, working between the lines.

"He's back. He digs this ball out [to Ainsley Maitland-Niles] and most players wouldn't even see that."

Arsenal supporters have not only been impressed with Ozil, but with several other players including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, David Luiz and Lucas Torreira.

Some took to social media to reveal who they thought was the most improved player under the Arteta regime, with those four names commonly mentioned.

"I believe he [Arteta] can improve every player," Luiz said.

"Mikel is a great coach and knows football. He was a great player, he brings things and I believe in his philosophy.

"We are going to do big things in the future, but step by step."

Speaking after the game, Luiz praised Arteta and said Arsenal can achieve great things under the young coach.
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