Arteta names best Arsenal player in 4-0 win against Newcastle

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, has named Dani Ceballos as the best player on the pitch in their 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle on Sunday.

Ceballos was a surprise inclusion in Arsenal starting line-up for the game.

The last time he started a game for the Gunners was in early November, the 1-1 draw with Vitoria in the Europa League.

The Spaniard picked up a hamstring injury, which sidelined him for almost two months.

“He was injured and when he started to train I didn’t think he was fit enough,” Arteta told the BBC.

“He completely changed his behaviour and trained like an animal. I thought he was the best player on the pitch.

“Dani was ideal for this game in that game position today. The way he’s been training he completely deserves a chance.

“I’m so glad with his performance.”

The win against Newcastle takes Arsenal to 10th position in the Premier League 5 points behind 5th-placed Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta Amatriain is a Spanish professional football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach at Premier League club Arsenal. Born in San Sebastián, Arteta played as an attacking and defensive midfielder, and operated primarily as a playmaker.