Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has praised Gunners boss Mikel Arteta for re-energising the club following his arrival as manager back in December.

Vieira, who currently manages Ligue One side Nice, was in the frame for the job before Arteta was handed the reins but the Frenchman has credited the Spaniard for how he has navigated his first six months in charge at the Emirates:

“What is interesting with Arteta, is that he has brought the energy back. The players are playing for the club and the manager. It is really important.”

There is a lot more purpose about Arsenal on the pitch; certainly, more than there was under Unai Emery and caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg.

A case in point was the stark contrast between the first and second half performances against Leeds in the FA Cup back in January.

The Gunners were woeful before half-time but following a pep talk from Arteta, they came out a different team after the break and put the Championship side to the sword.

That type of work rate and energy will need to be instilled in the squad so they can play like that on a regular basis, but Arteta is definitely making progress.