Arsenal: Biggest strength exemplified by Maitland-Niles

That was a battle on Saturday afternoon, no two ways about it. Arsenal had to dig deep, particularly in the second half, as Burnley pushed for a route back into the game and a solid rearguard is what got the side over the line.

Martin Odegaard’s sumptuous free-kick settled matters on the half hour mark, one of the visitors’ three shots on target in the game, and the celebrations at full-time typified the emotions of a hard-fought encounter.

Backed by another exceptional away following, the joyous scenes depicted a unified squad with unwavering commitment to the cause. This is a group of players who will fight for one another, the badge on their chest and those travelling 200 miles north. Results and performances still have plenty of room for improvement but there is a feeling around this team that offers encouragement moving forward.

Nowhere was that more evident than with the 15-minute performance of Ainsley Maitland-Niles after coming on for Thomas Partey.

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Burnley vs Arsenal: The biggest strength of Mikel Arteta’s team exemplified by Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ excellent peformance after coming on as a substitute

Mikel Arteta was asked in a recent Q&A what he felt the best attribute of this team was: he said the ‘togetherness’. With Arsenal under the cosh in the latter stages of the Turf Moor clash the manager brought on a player who went as far as tagging his employer in a social media post in a bid to leave in the summer. There aren’t many signs of unity in that.

But Maitland-Niles was excellent.

Being thrown into midfield in a raucous atmosphere and a dangerous game state, he brought a tranquility to the match with his explosive introduction. First to every ball he covered ground all over the pitch, making vital defensive interventions all with his usual composure.

For a player going to such lengths in a bid to force a move to put in a professional display as he did comes as the result of a team culture and atmosphere, one that champions togetherness. Whatever has gone on in the days following Everton’s late interest has had the desired impact.

Albert Sambi Lokonga also made some crucial tackles after being brought on while Nuno Tavares’ brutal physicality and outrageous pace were valuable tools in the final few minutes.

Premier League cameos like those off the bench nod to team on board with the ‘process’ and in harmony with one another. Arteta said it’s his side’s greatest strength and he might be on the money.

Because, of course, the team performances still need work as back-to-back 1-0 wins over Norwich and Burnley don’t confirm any form of turnaround. However, if this is to be the start of something new then it can only be achievable with the spirit the group have shown from those starting the matches as well as those coming on.

It’s the biggest positive of all.