Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas says he was happy with some aspects of Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge of Arsenal. The 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Boxing Day did show some promise despite the result.

He believes that, unlike against Manchester City, the Gunners showed some battling qualities at the Vitality Stadium and he thinks that will hold them in good stead when they face Chelsea at the Emirates tomorrow:

“I enjoyed the desire and a bit of fight from the Arsenal team I saw at Bournemouth. This should lift the big players. He could make a few changes, but my heart is ruling my head here.”

Nicholas predicts a 3-2 win for Arsenal, which is a bold prediction but one that isn’t way off the mark considering how both teams have been defending recently.

The Gunners created a lot of opportunities against the Cherries on Thursday, but continue to leak goals despite the change of manager. Chelsea, meanwhile, are struggling defensively but pose a major threat on the counter-attack away from home.

Arsenal fans will be hoping for a new manager bounce in the London derby tomorrow, and there is every chance they could get it.