Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrival has brought instant lift to Arsenal, says Arsene Wenger

The pair played a crucial role in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Everton on Saturday evening, with Mkhitaryan providing three assists while debutant Aubameyang clinched his first goal in a red shirt

The former Dortmund men both impressed on their Arsenal debuts (Getty)

Arsene Wenger has revealed that the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has brought an instant lift to Arsenal’s dressing room.

The January signings played a crucial role in the side's 5-1 demolition of Everton on Saturday evening, with Mkhitaryan providing three assists while debutant Aubameyang clinched his first goal in a red shirt.

When asked about the influence of his new players, who joined from Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund respectively, Wenger said: “It's always when you have new players it gives always a little positive swing, and it wakes everybody up as well, because there's suddenly competition so they have to live with that as well.

“Overall, I think as well we have a game based on team spirit so that kind of acceptance [is] very important and when they show on a football field that they accept our game, they are even easier to integrate into the team.”

After a subdued debut in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat at Swansea, Mkhitaryan wrought havoc at the Emirates, with his intelligent running and well-timed deliveries too much for the disorganised Everton defence.

His contributions, including the assist for Aubameyang’s chipped goal, were praised by Wenger after the game as he described the Armenian as “a great football player”.

“He’s a player completely focused on football, dedicated totally to the game, and he comes from a country – Armenia – where you need a special character to become a great football player," Wenger added. "You really have to love it. That’s why I think he looks happy to play football, because he just loves it.”

Wenger also admitted that Mkhitaryan has the creative potential to succeed the injured Santi Cazorla at Arsenal

“There are similarities there, yes,” the Frenchman said. “I wish. Santi was an exceptional football player. But he [Mkhitaryan] for sure has the technical level to play in our team.”

Mkhitaryan notched up a hat-trick of assists (Getty)

On the topic of Cazorla, Wenger remained confident that the Spaniard will return from the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined since October 2016.

Asked if the midfielder has played his last game for Arsenal, he said: “I hope not, he's on the UEFA List. I hope not. I don't know how far he is since his last operation but I put him there because we had room, I want him there and I want to give him strength as well to fight to come back."