Cesc Fabregas heaps praise on Mikel Arteta for ‘changing the perception’ of Arsenal

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has paid tribute to Mikel Arteta following the Gunners’ win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Eddie Nketiah’s late goal ensured Arteta’s side won the game 3-2 in a tightly-contested game at the Emirates, and meant Arsenal remained five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.

Fabregas, speaking on Sky Sports, praised his fellow Spaniard for ‘changing the perception of the club’, as he helps turn the Gunners from top four stragglers to one of the best sides in Europe.

Cesc Fabregas has praised Mikel Arteta’s influence as Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title

The Gunners beat Manchester United 3-2 on Sunday to remain five points clear in first

Fabregas said that Arteta has ‘changed the perception of the club’ during his reign so far

‘He has done a fantastic job’, the former midfielder began. ‘We saw it in the documentary (Netflix’s All or Nothing) how he pushes players, how he understands players. 

‘I was lucky enough to be at the training ground recently. Everything has changed so much, it feels like the manager of the training ground is 95 per cent Mikel who has changed the whole thing.

‘The perception of the club has changed. There are positive messages around the training ground, much bigger facilities, better equipment, the pitches, you name it. 

‘At the entrance, they have a symbol of an empty Premier League. He wants to show the message, we need to put it in there. Every day the players see the Premier League, but just the symbol, like an inspiration every day. He has changed the mentality of the club.’

Arteta has ‘changed’ everything at Arsenal following their previous struggles, according to Fabregas

The praise continued, with Fabregas complimenting Arteta for his leadership over his group.

The Arsenal boss has emptied the club of underperforming players and added quality, including Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and has been allowed to name a consistent team for most of the season.

Fabregas said: ‘He had the personality and the club supported him when he sold these players, that they did not do the right thing. He changed them. For a young manager, it is not easy to do. It takes personality to make these decisions.

‘They have passion for the club (Jesus and Zinchenko), coming from a club that is superior to you today. Having a manager that has a relationship with top players, it is a big plus for sure.’