Amid all the frustration that has surrounded Arsenal’s season there has been an underlying improvement across several departments.
Stats usually fly around social media after an impressive win and for the first time since 2011, the Gunners recorded a victory at Stamford Bridge to keep their European ambitions alive.
Since the win over Chelsea on Boxing Day, manager Mikel Arteta has guided his side to the third-most points in the Premier League with only Manchester City and Manchester United ahead of them.
Additionally, Arsenal have scored the fourth most goals in the league (38) and conceded 20 (joint fourth) which many may find particularly surprising – that’s without forgetting wins at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford for the first time in decades.
Arsenal in the Premier League since Boxing Day:
• 41 points (3rd most behind only Manchester City & Manchester United)
• 38 goals scored (4th most)
• 20 goals conceded (joint 4th)#afc pic.twitter.com/1rtTndvdpR— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 12, 2021
Arteta opted to use his post-match interview on the pitch to lament at what he felt his words being taken out of context, when asked about his players ahead of the game.
"Nothing is broken. Inside, nothing is broken," Arteta told Sky Sports after the game.
"They [the media] try to put things on me that I never said.
"I said if I don't get 120% off each player it's my fault and responsibility. It wasn't like this in the press. I'm so annoyed by that.
"My players, I will defend them from everybody for the rest of the time I'm here. They don't deserve that."
Despite Arsenal being set for their worst Premier League finish in 25 years, taking into account the aforementioned statistical improvements there can be no surprise that Arteta wanted to make a point on Wednesday night.
football.london understands that there are a core group of players who have unwavering loyalty to the manager, among them are Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
Indeed, the other bright point from Arsenal’s campaign has been the emergence of Hale End academy products Smith Rowe and Saka, with the former getting his second Premier League goal in as many games.
"I'm really pleased with our attitude and effort,” said Holding after the game.
"The stuff came out in the media yesterday which he [Arteta] said isn't true. It's out of context. He explained that to us. We knew it wasn't his opinion. We showed that tonight and we backed him and we did what he asked."
Introducing a creative player into the team in December gradually helped turn around results at Emirates Stadium, as Arteta showed that he's learning on the job and eventually making the right decisions.
Qualification for the European Conference League is uncertain at this stage, but with two games to go against Crystal Palace and Brighton there will be quiet confidence among the Gunners that they can still secure European football next season.
Players not giving their maximum is usually a retort levelled at them if results don't go their way, and it's understandable that frustrations are even higher after the recent European Super League fiasco.
While off the pitch there continues to be noise, the shining hope going into next season is Arsenal's young players showing that they possess the qualities to take the club forward - and the supporters that will be back to cheer them on when the new campaign begins.
