After his appointment as Arsenal head coach in 2019, Mikel Arteta spoke about the importance of getting the supporters fully behind the team during what was a difficult period for the club.
A disappointing run of results led to Unai Emery getting sacked and left the fans divided, installing a lack of trust towards the players in the process. However, it's been an obstacle that Arteta has wanted to overcome since day one. "Finally, we need the fans," he said. "We need to engage them, we need to be able to transmit with our behaviours, our intentions, what we want to bring to this football club.
"I think that's the only way, where we give them a little bit, they give us a little bit, and suddenly we feel that connection, because when you plug these two things together, it is so powerful." Fast forward three years and you now get the sense that Arteta has finally fulfilled his wish.
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It's been a journey full of highs and lows for everyone connected to Arsenal in recent times, but there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. A refreshing approach in the transfer market, rejuvenated sense of togetherness in the dressing room and improved performances have all resulted in the emergence of a much healthier atmosphere around the club.
That was emphasised on Saturday when the Emirates Stadium was filled with positive energy before a ball was even kicked. The feel-good factor is well and truly back and so is the connection between the players and fans that Arteta desperately wanted to re-establish.
One moment, in particular, highlighted the incredible support and trust that fans now have in this fresh group of players. After William Saliba headed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and into his own net, those in the stands began chanting his name around the stadium in an attempt to pick his head up despite the blunder. Fans also rose to their feet when the young Frenchman won the ball off Patson Daka in the 83rd minute, again showcasing the support behind him.
Speaking after the game, Arteta touched on how pleased he was to see that reaction from the crowd. "What they’ve done today with William Saliba is something that in my career I haven’t seen and that shows the connection and to really be there when it matters and when it’s difficult for somebody," he said.
"We should be really proud to play in front of them because that was special. I think it really lifted the confidence of Wilo and how he played the last minutes after that and for the team as well."
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