Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to the efforts of the Arsenal players in his first match on the touchline as head coach of the Gunners.
While they may not have come away with a win from the Vitality Park on Boxing Day, their performance against Bournemouth did receive praise.
Speaking in his post-match press conference the former Manchester City assistant focused on the positives despite the result.
Dan Gosling grabbed the opener before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made sure his side would not leave the south coast empty handed by finding an equaliser in the second half.
For Arteta, the spirit and intent shown by his team was a highlight as he reflected on Arsenal's first game under his direct control in the dugout.
He had watched their previous match against Everton from the stands.
"I'm very pleased with the attitude, character and fighting spirit was spot on," he said. "Probably better than I expected.
"We would have had a better lift but there are positives to take and a lot of room for improvement.
"I was worried to see what happened if we conceded and was very happy with their character.
"A lot of things from the past can come back but that didn't happen."
In his post-match interview with BBC Sport the new Arsenal head coach added: "I think we had the chances in the second half to put the game in our favour.
"I am not happy because I wanted a different result.
"I have zero regrets to the team. It is the opposite. I think the fans, as they were today, they appreciated that and were right behind the players.
"I didn't know how long they were going to last at that rhythm and the demands I put on them and they all kept trying until the end.
"Some of them had cramps and issues but the attitude was spot on."
Arsenal's next two games under Arteta will come at home against Chelsea and Manchester United with little time to work on issues given the packed end-of-the-year fixture list.
