"Arteta has got Arsenal smiling again", says former Gunners keeper

Lee Harper believes the whole club has been buoyed by the new boss' arrival

It is early days in Mikel Arteta's tenure at Arsenal, but he seems to be making his mark already. A strong performance in the defeat to Chelsea was followed up by a superb 2-0 win over Manchester United and a wobbly but ultimately successful showing against Leeds United in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup.

Arteta still has his work cut out: he has to persuade star striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the club, strengthen a paper thin back line, and resolve the uncertain futures of Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil.

But the Spaniard has also brought hope back to The Emirates. Speaking to Love Sport Radio, former Arsenal goalkeeper Lee Harper said that Arteta's arrival has been a boost to the whole club.

"Arsenal are buoyed by the arrival of Mikel Arteta, who has come in and put smiles on faces. He’s got the team playing with a tempo, passion and desire fans expect".

“Arteta has got the club bouncing, Arteta has installed a tempo, installed his philosophy and it will only get better I hope".

"Arteta has come in and made it a happier place. They’ve gone out and given their all, every player should do that every time no matter who they are playing for and the supporters will back you.”

“He’s been involved with coaching at the highest level, he’s been involved with one of the greatest managers of the modern era and that can only have rubbed off on him.”