It has been well over a year since Unai Emery was sacked by Arsenal and replaced by Mikel Arteta.
Arteta has drastically overhauled the squad he inherited at the Emirates and, at times, must’ve questioned what was left behind by his predecessor.
But, for possibly the first time, Arteta may have had Emery to thank after his side fought back to claim a 3-3 draw against West Ham at the weekend.
Calum Chambers put in a man of the match display for the Gunners and has made a serious impression after starting two of Arsenal’s last three Premier League games.
The defender suddenly looks to have a bright future under Mikel Arteta after emerging from his injury struggles.
Chambers’ return is almost like a new signing for Arteta - and he has a chat Emery had with the defender to thank for it.
Back in 2018, shorty after Emery arrived in North London, Chambers was being linked with an Arsenal exit.
A string of Premier League clubs were keeping tabs on Chambers' situation as Brighton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Wolves all registered their interest.
But Emery had no doubts as to his value, sitting down and telling him he saw him as a big part of his central defensive plans.
The Gunners were linked with Caglar Soyuncu before his move to Leicester but Emery was keen to build around Chambers instead.
He sat down with the Englishman and outlined his high hopes for his future, convincing him to pen a new four-year deal with the club.
Injuries have derailed his progress and limited the role he has played under Arteta.
But that chat means he can now benefit from another talented and versatile defensive option who proved his worth against West Ham.
“He was really good,” Arteta told Sky Sports after the game. “He’s been training really well.
“He’s a player who gives us something else. He was superb. He was really efficient in the final third as well. I think he had a great performance.”
