Cesc Fabregas has sent a message of support to Mesut Ozil after the German's starring role in Arsenal's win over Man Utd.
Ozil provided the assist for Nicolas Pepe's opener in the 2-0 victory over their rivals, and was back to his best throughout the clash at the Emirates.
The 31-year-old had cut a forlorn figure under the regime of former boss Unai Emery, but seems invigorated by the arrival of new manager Mikel Arteta.
Buoyed by the win, Ozil took to Twitter after the match to show his appreciation to the Arsenal fans as the Gunners kicked off their 2020 with a bang.
"From the team performance to the atmosphere... a great night at the Emirates. Happy New Year!" Ozil said.
And former Arsenal skipper Fabregas was equally as enthusiastic: "Best Arsenal game in a long time," he said. "Really enjoyed it."
The now-Monaco midfielder also sent a personal message to Ozil, commenting on his post: "Bossed it man," along with a thumbs up and applause emojis.
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand identified Arteta's contribution to Ozil's form as the new manager embraced his playmaker at the final whistle.
"Look at that from Ozil, I think that is the first time I've seen him smile in 18 months, and that’s because he must be enjoying training," Ferdinand said.
Arsenal started the match with a front four of Ozil, Pepe and strike duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette for the first time - and it paid immediate dividends.
Aubameyang fed Ozil in the opening exchanges, whose drilled cross rolled kindly for Pepe to steer into the bottom corner.
Lacazette and Pepe both almost doubled Arsenal's lead themselves, before combining to set up Sokratis to score the second.
The win propelled Arsenal back into the top half of the table, where they are now just four points off United in fifth.
Arteta said: "At the end of the day, we’re getting judged by results. That’s going to give the players a massive lift in terms of confidence, that they can play against any opponent in this league and be better than them, dominate them, and compete against them."
Arsenal are in FA Cup action next against Leeds on Monday, before facing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park the following Saturday.
