Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta delivered a defiant defence of his young squad during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Everton clash.
The north Londoners were four points clear of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification just over a week ago. However, back-to-back losses against Spurs and most recently Newcastle United means they will finish fifth unless Norwich City can defeat the Lillywhites on Sunday, with the Gunners also having to beat Everton too.
Despite the disappointing recent results, Arteta used his press conference to make a speech on his side's season before taking any questions. “Well, first of all, thank you all," he began.
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"And probably this is the last day that I'm going to see you after tomorrow and then we are going to holiday, so just a quick reflection. I think it's been a long journey again and a very challenging one this season, but I think that we have come a long way as a club and as a team, I think we have transformed the energy, the vibe and expectation of this football club again.
“We've done it together, showing incredible unity between the staff, the players, everybody in the club, and especially with our people, which has been incredibly supportive throughout the season, especially in difficult moments. And now I can sense that I have the hope and expectations to move this club to the place that it deserves.
"We've done it the way we predicted with the project that we set a year ago. With a lot of young players, with the senior players helping and with our crowds again in our stadium and with a real sense of connection around the place.”
