Dani Ceballos has sent a defiant message to Arsenal fans after boss Mikel Arteta hailed the midfielders 'complete behaviour change'.
The Real Madrid loanee was handed his first start since November against Newcastle having been troubled previously with injury issues.
Ceballos played a starring role in the 4-0 win at the Emirates on Sunday, prompting praise from boss Arteta .
Speaking after the match, Arteta said: "Dani Ceballos is a good example. He was injured and when he started to train I didn’t think he was fit enough.
"He completely changed his behaviour and trained like an animal. I thought he was the best player on the pitch."
The 23-year-old was at the heart of Arsenal's second-half display, before his eventual substitution late on for Lucas Torreira.
By that point Arsenal were already two goals up and in command, and Ceballos received a standing ovation from the Gunners support.
After the game he took to Instagram to show his appreciation, and offered a rousing response to the fans.
"There's only one thing better than being back in the team after a long lasting injury: winning in the Emirates Stadium in front of our supporters" he said.
"We keep fighting! Let's go Gunners!"
There were rumours Ceballos was pushing to end his loan spell at Arsenal early during the January window, over fears he would not feature much in the back half of the season.
But he has seemingly made a good case for himself during Arsenal's warm-weather training camp in Dubai over the winter break, and has a fresh chance at holding down a regular starting berth.
Teammate Shkodran Mustafi reacted to Ceballos's message with a strong arm and fire emojis, while youngster Bukayo Saka commented with love heart eyes emojis.
Arsenal's win now gives them a fighting chance of sneaking into the top five, which could well see them qualify for the Champions League.
Given Man City's UEFA ban, it is likely the team who finishes fifth will now earn a place in next season's competition.
Arteta said: "A week ago, before we went to Dubai, and we drew with Burnley , everything looked like it was too far and it was going to take an incredible run to do it.
"Today it feels like a little bit closer. But it is going to have to depend on us."
