Arsenal began the new decade with a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday night.
First-half goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis gave Mikel Arteta his first win as Gunners head coach at the third time of asking and lifted the side into the top half of the Premier League table.
In addition, Sead Kolasinac marked his return to the starting line-up.
His inclusion in the team was very much a surprise as he wasn't expected back in action until later in the months with an ankle problem sustained in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City before Christmas.
But Kolasinac was able to replace Bukayo Saka at left-back and had a has been role in the opening goal.
Racing down the wing in trademark fashion, his cross was deflected into Pepe's path who made no mistake from close range to curl the ball into the bottom corner.
Sokratis doubled the lead before the break and the Gunners defended well in the second half and Kolasinac was delighted to be back and to help the side pick up all three points.
Taking to Twitter, the left-back said:
"Guess who‘s back," he asked . "It’s three for us! Strong start into 2020."
Kolasinac was taken off in the second half and Arteta is expecting fitness levels across the board to improve soon.
"I hope so. That wasn't the plan - I have to admit - but obviously they are suffering a bit to maintain that level of intensity," the Gunners head coach told reporters .
"I think it will come, it's part of the process and they way we train.
"At the moment we don't have much time to do so but I really liked the resilience and I like to see them suffer together.
"When they had to defend deeper I wanted to see that reaction instead of getting annoyed with each other if someone gave the ball away it was all positive reactions so I'm pleased with that too."
