Arteta eager to see Arsenal reap benefit of Dubai break

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident the club's "mini pre-season" in Dubai will help them cope with a hectic schedule following the Premier League's new mid-season break.

The Gunners return to action against Newcastle United on Sunday, the first in a run of games encompassing the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup between now and the start of March.

"We came here to work, it was like a mini pre-season," said the former Arsenal midfielder.

"I wanted to use it to work on our principles and our styles of play, and as well as how we live together."