Thomas Partey admitted his performance against Man Utd was not up to his usual standards despite completing a full match for the first time since November.
The Ghanaian midfielder has had problems with injuries since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
He was absent for much of Arsenal's dismal run prior to Christmas which left them languishing in the bottom half of the table.
But Partey's return has no doubt been a boost to his side, even though he is aware it may take a couple more weeks for him to develop his match fitness.
Writing on Instagram after Saturday's 0-0 draw, Partey said: "Not my best game. But I’m happy to make 90 minutes and also continue with our Premier League unbeaten run."
Partey started alongside Granit Xhaka again in midfield in a partnership that appears to be blossoming with each passing week.
And regardless of Partey's admission, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane feels the 27-year-old will be an important cog in Arsenal's team for years to come.
“He came in on transfer deadline day, so he never got quite up to speed, so it wasn’t a surprise that he got injured," Keane said.
"He’s going to be a big player for Arsenal over the next few years.
“His track record... he’s used to playing in the biggest games, we know the important role in the middle of the park for Arsenal, they’ve lacked the physical presence.
What did you think to Partey's performance vs Man Utd? Have your say below.
"I’ve got no doubt that if he stays fit - which we'll probably see more of next season - then he’ll be a big player for Arsenal."
Mikel Arteta was missing a number of first-team stars through injury, including Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka, while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ruled out due to being in quarantine.
The result stretched Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven matches since their win over Chelsea on Boxing Day and keeps them in the top half.
