Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Arsenal fans after a thrilling season - but expects more from the club's loyal supporters next term.
Arsenal's Premier League campaign ends against Wolves at the Emirates on Sunday. The Gunners will finish second in the table behind Manchester City, despite leading the title race for much of the season. Arsenal boasted an eight-point lead as recently as April.
Arteta is determined not to miss out on the Premier League title again and has urged everyone associated with the club, including the supporters, to give more next season. He has told them: "If we keep moving forwards, we can achieve anything."
Arsenal published a message from Arteta to their supporters ahead of Sunday's final fixture. He said: "Throughout my time here, I saw our club returning. Returning to a feeling we have all missed, because there is something special behind us. This is togetherness.
"So I want to thank you - all of you. Thank you to our players, who faced the season with passion and determination. When I watch our men and women training every single day, I can feel how much they want to deliver for this football club.
"Thank you to everyone working alongside them. All together, doing what they believe is right. You cannot imagine how much it helps the players, how much belief it gives them. And thank you to all our supporters, everywhere.
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"Without you, it doesn’t make any sense what we do. You are our energy, you are living the game with us. You always have been in our attitude, in our self-belief. In the demands that push each other to seek excellence."
The Emirates has been electric at times this season, with Arsenal producing memorable victories against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool. Yet the ground was also silenced by devastating defeats to Man City and Brighton.
Although Arteta is thankful for Arsenal's loyal army of fans, he believes there's more to come. He added: "So that’s what we all must do. Demand more from each other. Support each other. Be connected in every action, in every win, in every single ball.
"Now we focus on what’s in front, and if we keep moving forwards, we can achieve anything. Because we know what’s behind this club, behind this feeling. This is our Arsenal."
Arsenal's runners-up finish means they will compete in the Champions League next season for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign, when Arsene Wenger was in charge. They have also finished above bitter rivals Tottenham for the first time in seven years.
Arsenal and Man City are expected to have more competition for the Premier League title next season, with Liverpool and Chelsea tipped to bounce back from their disappointing campaigns. Man Utd and Newcastle have also improved during the last 12 months.
