After an awful first half of the season, things have suddenly got very good for Arsenal.
The Gunners have won three on the bounce for the Premier League for the first time this season after a trio over victories in quick succession over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom.
The good news was made even more positive by the return to training of summer signing Thomas Partey who has missed the last month with a thigh strain.
Speaking after the West Brom game Mikel Arteta was able to confirm that a return for the Ghanaian is not far off.
"Well, he hasn’t trained fully with us," he said when asked about the likelihood of Partey being available for the FA Cup clash with Newcastle.
"But he’s done the most part training the last few days. He’s feeling good and we will assess him.
"He needs another two or three good sessions to see if he’s 100% ok to play. And if that’s the case, great news for us."
Partey has only managed 90 minutes twice in the Premier League since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in the summer, but in that game he has already been able to show the quality he possesses.
His performance against Manchester United drew praise even from Roy Keane! The Ghanaian was able to turn Arsenal's slow immobile engine room into one capable of besting a side containing the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba with relative ease.
What's more Partey was able to increase the performance levels of those around him. Mohamed Elneny put in arguably his best ever display in an Arsenal shirt at Old Trafford and has not been able to reach those levels ever since.
A lot is being made of who the Gunners will sign this January, with Isco, Julian Brandt, Emi Buendia and Joan Jordan all being linked as potential candidates to improve Arsenal's midfield. But in Partey they have a ready made star waiting in the wings.
"Absolutely," said Mikel Arteta when asked if his return to the side would be like a new signing for Arsenal.
"We are in January and I think he’s played two and a half games. That’s all and he was our main signing. So yeah. We’ve been missing him.
"He brings something different to the team, he’s a player with an enormous talent. But as well someone that can transform the team the way we want.
"It’s great if we can have him, keep him healthy and I think will contribute in a really positive way."
In his absence the Arsenal midfield has reverted to type somewhat. Passing, particularly before the recent upturn in form, was often lethargic and unadventurous. Granit Xhaka, Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock and Mohamed Elneny all have their strengths but none can offer what Partey brings to the table.
The fact that the 28-year-old's latest comeback from injury is coming at a time when the mood around the Emirates Stadium has improved means that Arteta no longer has to rush him back into the side like he did against Spurs.
It is vital that Partey's return is managed cautiously to ensure that the Gunners are able to get the best out of their summer signing.
Arsenal are currently just six points off the Champions League places and although goal difference is heavily stacked against them, a European run is not off the cards. With the Ghanaian's return there is a genuine chance that Mikel Arteta can turn the recent burst in good form into sustained success.
After a miserable start to the campaign things are finally starting to look up for the Gunners. The return of 'new signing' Thomas Partey can ensure that they get even better.
