Mathieu Flamini said it feels like he never left Arsenal after sealing a return to the club this summer on a free transfer.
Flamini played a big part in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Tottenham, bringing the steel and leadership to the middle of the park, which has at times been lacking.
The Frenchman, who re-signed for Arsenal after spending time away at AC Milan, is clearly enjoying life back at the North London club.
"I really have the sensation of being back home," Flamini told Arsenal Player. "Playing against Tottenham in a big derby, it was a great emotion, a great feeling.
"Playing against Tottenham is never easy but it is special for the club, for the fans and for the players. Of course, for me it was my first game and I wanted to show everyone how committed I am to this club, how I am ready to give everything on the pitch.
"I hope everyone saw it, I really did my best when I came on.
"I have heard it a lot (that it is like I have never been away). I feel like I never left. There are players I played with before, and even staff, there are a lot of people still here that I knew before and the (relationship) with the fans was just amazing.
"I just want to thank everyone for the nice atmosphere on Sunday. It was great."
Arsenal pulled off quite a coup by bringing in Mesut Ozil on transfer deadline day for a club record fee and Flamini believes this squad has the strength to compete for honors this season.
"The quality is very high in this team and at this club," he added. "That is the most important thing, to have players of quality because that makes a difference.
"The team spirit is also very good, and we saw on Sunday that everyone was helping each other on the pitch. That makes a difference in the big games."
