Match Reaction v Chelsea (neutral)

[Penguin]

Really interesting reading what the players have been saying - there’s been a general feeling that these players were uncoachable and would simply down tools or go on strike if we actually made them work for their money, but they’re fucking loving it! They love the discipline and the correction and the clear direction, and they’re loving feeling and acting like professionals again.

I really feel that this is vindication for what Arteta has been trying to do in terms of resetting the culture at this club. We now have players literally in tears because of what representing this club means to them. Loanees and players who had one foot out the door in January throwing themselves in front of shots. No-hopers and utility players doing a solid job wherever they’re played. It’s shame there’s still a couple of hold-outs - we could have really done with a fired-up Özil and a more professional Guendouzi - but that’s on them. As Arseblog says, look at Ainsley, who looked like he’d been frozen out for being late to training, and who swallowed his pride and got his head down and worked - who’s got a medal this morning and who hasn’t?

Until we’d sorted the culture out there was literally no point in signing anyone to improve the team - the casual, unprofessional and ultimately toxic atmosphere would have ruined anyone we’d recruited. Now, we can bring new players into this club and they’ll immediately know what is required of them - the manager will enforce it and the other players will enforce it. They won’t walk in and see Mesut Özil sitting around, doing fuck all for £18m a year and think that’s ok. We can build on this.

Laying the foundations was the most important thing for Arteta to do this season, and I think it's fair to say he has done that. He still has a HUGE job ahead of him but as you said, without the foundations and the right culture there's no point to anything else.

It won't be plain sailing but I'm looking forward to the journey we're on.

[Marc Overmars]

Yes Arteta has proven his credentials. As the kids would say, put some respect on his name! Back him and see where he can take us. He’s more than earned the right to have a go now.

Standards at this club have been non existent for a long time, mostly due to a fading Wenger and a joker in Emery. It shows the importance of a personality like Arteta who definitely carries himself in a way the players respect. Emery was heavily disliked by the team for dropping Ozil, I bet none of them fuckers would dare question Mikel for doing the same.