Arsenal: Mikel Arteta deserves great credit for Champions League push

No one said it would be easy. Fitness levels may be a concern within the squad ahead of the final weeks of the campaign, but it was the fans who endured an unwelcome cardiovascular workout on Sunday as Arsenal battled to a 2-1 win over West Ham and regained an important advantage in the race for fourth.

Although the football from both sides was largely devoid of quality, the Gunners showed great resolve to claim all three points and have demonstrated admirable resilience to recover so quickly from last month’s ignominious domestic collapse.

Their impressive response epitomises the team spirit Mikel Arteta has cultivated at the club since his appointment, and the Spaniard’s managerial acumen is now playing a creditable role in our quest for Champions League qualification.

Many would have deemed the top four beyond reach even before the season had started, especially three games in. So when we consider our current lofty position in conjunction with both the spate of injuries sustained in recent matches and the areas of the pitch that still need to be addressed, being in contention at this stage is no mean feat.

A possible Champions League return for Arsenal despite injuries and remaining weaknesses is a testament to Mikel Arteta’s coaching

Persistent knocks and niggles have forced the boss to dip into his scant reserves repeatedly this term, with almost the entire backline requiring modification at some point while Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny – who had started just one Premier League game between them prior to Southampton – are now regulars in the side and have been integral to the revived European assault.

Such extensive medical misfortune is particularly frustrating given the lean schedule and, although the lack of strength in depth may be partly our own fault after a quiet January window, it remains a testament to Arteta’s coaching nous that the ship has stayed afloat – and even thrived – despite these various issues, and suggests that even bit-part players are buying into his plans.

Growing optimism around the club continues to be checked by anxiety as, despite the improvement in form, there are a number of difficult games on the horizon and the squad is becoming more and more cobbled together with each passing week.

But three successive victories leave us in pole position for a seat at Europe’s top table and the motley crew are gaining belief from every positive result.

Therefore, as we await the imminent return of key defensive figures, there is hope that a refortified team – armed with Arteta’s tactical competence – can do the job.