Lee Dixon believes that although it is still early days, Mikel Arteta is already having a positive impact on Arsenal.
Arteta was appointed as Arsenal’s new manager in December and claimed his first win in charge against Manchester United on New Year’s Day.
Prior to that, the Gunners had picked up a draw and suffered a defeat in the Spaniard’s opening two games, although performances have improved under his stewardship.
And Dixon believes that both Arsenal’s players and fans are already buying in to what Arteta wants to achieve at the club.
“I don’t want to go overboard on his progress three games in, but there are definitely signs,” Dixon told Talksport.
“The Emirates hasn’t been like that in many years – it almost sent goose bumps down my spine.
“It was probably one of the worst United performances I’ve seen for a very long time, so let’s not get carried away about who we were playing. They were terrible last night!”
Before the former full-back added: “He’s not going to go in and get in the top four in the first six months – that is not going to happen. It is a long-term project; there is no doubt about that.
“But, ultimately, any coach that comes in, they will all tell you it’s all about players; the game has always been about players and it will always be about players, because they are the ones who put the plans into action.
“So is the squad good enough? You would look at it after last night and say ‘yes’.
“But moving forward… forget top four and top six, this team – my Arsenal Football Club – has to be challenging for one and two; be second pushing for first.
"That is the level they need to get back to, but it is a massive mountain to climb from where we are right now.”
