Mikel Arteta Rates Dani Ceballos’ Performance After Long Injury Layoff

Mikel Arteta and majority of the Arsenal fans with Dani Ceballos’ first start after his injury spell.

The Gunners cruised to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United all thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette.

Ceballos, who sat deep in midfield and dictated Arsenal’s attack, got his first start after three months on the sidelines. When asked if both Ceballos and Mesut Ozil could be together more often, Mikel Arteta replied, “Depending how they are, how they train, how they perform. But I thought Dani was ideal for that game, in that position, today. The way he has been training he completely deserves a chance and I’m so glad with his performance.”

In another interview with BBC Sport, the Spaniard boss added, “He was injured and when he started to train I didn’t think he was fit enough. He completely changed his behaviour and trained like an animal. I thought he was the best player on the pitch.”

Ceballos himself was thrilled to return to Premier League action as he wrote on Instagram, “There’s only one thing better than being back in the team after a long-lasting injury: winning in the Emirates Stadium in front of our supporters! We keep fighting! Let’s go Gunners!”