Morning all.

What a great way to end the season. Five goals, including two for Granit Xhaka, a first for Jakub Kiwior and one each for Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. Xhaka should have had a hat-trick and the match ball by half-time but somehow, he totally cocked up his golden opportunity to get both. Regardless, he was all smiles, Arsenal were all smiles and why not, it’s been a good season.

After the game, Mikel Arteta said:

I think together we have reconnected with the soul of our football club, which is our people, our supporters. We did that in a really special way. We know the destination is to bring success and trophies, and we are working every single day to deliver that. We must not forget that the journey is beautiful. The company and the people that are involved in this journey deserve really to enjoy it. It makes me really proud to be part of that, and now we have to reset, reflect, and go again.

On the emotional connection with the supporters….

It was one of my dreams, probably the biggest dream that I had, to connect again with the soul of this football club and our people. We have done that, there is no discussion about that. That makes me really proud and grateful to be part of that journey together. We want to deliver success, and the destination has to be trophy success and enjoyment for this club. But we have to enjoy the journey together. Especially you have to enjoy the company. I said that today because we have a special group of people in this club, an incredible group of players and amazing support. That has to be enjoyed. In the end winning can be about the margins but you cannot under estimate the rest because if we don’t do that, we are going to regret it.

It wasn’t that long ago when empty seats could be seen at The Emirates. Not just the odd few but in the thousands. Some who were there could often be spotted on their phones when the television cameras panned around, others were just sat, looking like they’d rather be somewhere else. Anywhere other that watching what was going on in front of their eyes. Fast forward a few years and so much has changed. ‘The Angel – North London Forever’ rings out before kickoff and the fans stay strong in support of the club, the team and manager. The away games are no different because the travelling fans are just as loud and proud. It’s fantastic.

That’s what Mikel Arteta has brought back to the club. A reason to believe, a reason to enjoy watching Arsenal play football again. Yes we’ve had off games, off days and even an odd few drab performances but now they’re the exception and not the rule.

I’m not one to ever wish life away but I’m looking forward to seeing who the club add to this already talented, young and exciting squad. Dare I say I’m even looking to next season even though this one has only just ended.

What next for Mikel Arteta?

For me personally, I really need to get away, relax, think, reflect and see what the best way is now to come back stronger and with a clear vision and feeling that we can go to a different level. Today especially in the way that I am, I am not capable do that, so I need to reset and have some time to think.

Pre match, Mikel expressed his thanks to all:

Throughout my time here, I saw our club returning. Returning to a feeling we have all missed, because there is something special behind us. This is togetherness. So I want to thank you – all of you. Thank you to our players, who faced the season with passion and determination. When I watch our men and women training every single day, I can feel how much they want to deliver for this football club. Thank you to everyone working alongside them. All together, doing what they believe is right. You cannot imagine how much it helps the players, how much belief it gives them. 

And thank you to all our supporters, everywhere. Without you, it doesn’t make any sense what we do. You are our energy, you are living the game with us. You always have been in our attitude, in our self-belief. In the demands that push each other to seek excellence. So that’s what we all must do. Demand more from each other. Support each other. Be connected in every action, in every win, in every single ball.

Now we focus on what’s in front, and if we keep moving forwards, we can achieve anything. Because we know what’s behind this club, behind this feeling.

This is our Arsenal.

Well, perhaps it’s a good time to say thank you to Mikel Arteta too because it’s he who has overseen the huge changes within in the club. It’s his management, training and match day football which has awakened a fan base which was tired of being let down season after season. It’s he who has moved on the dead wood, asked for and got, better players. He, his coaching staff and of course, the board has made Arsenal FC a better club.

Thank you to them all, the players too,  not only for a very good season just gone by but for giving many Arsenal fans a reason to believe that next season, as well as those to come, can be just as good.

If not better….

Catch up in the comments.