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‘Arteta has removed toxicity from Arsenal’ – 2020 can be ‘exciting year’ for Gunners, says Smith

Early encouragement has been offered by a new coaching regime, says the former frontman, with positive progress expected in north London

Mikel Arteta has already “removed the toxicity” at Arsenal, says Alan Smith, with 2020 set up to be a “very exciting year” for the Gunners as another new era is opened.

A loyal fan base in north London has had little to shout about in recent times.

Unai Emery did guide the club to the Europa League final in 2019, but a heavy defeat to Chelsea was suffered there before stumbling out of the blocks in the current campaign.