'Better than I expected', Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been impressed with the workrate exhibited from his players during the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

The match saw Arteta manage his first professional game and the Gunners came up with a much-improved attacking performance as they managed 17 attempts on goal.

However, only two of those were on target and there were a number of crosses throughout the 90 minutes which could not find a Gunners player in the opposition box.

Speaking after the stalemate, Arteta acknowledged that he was not pleased with the eventual outcome. Still, he was appreciative of the workrate, which was above his initial expectations.

"I am pleased with a lot of things I have seen and a lot of things we practised that happened. I am not happy we have not won the game but happy overall. In terms of attitude, desire and commitment it was better than I expected," he said.

Arsenal's draw over the Cherries continues to keep them in the bottom half of the standings but they have moved within eight points off the top four following Chelsea's 2-0 home defeat to Southampton.