Arsenal just granted Mikel Arteta his wish at the perfect time

Tonight, Arsenal come up against Burnley in an awkward Monday night fixture. Despite the fixture falling on a school night, Arsenal still plan to commemorate their final home game of the season with a lap of honour and an address to the crowd - it comes shortly after Mikel Arteta called for more fan unity like the one he saw against Atlético Madrid.

Arsenal need to win this game. No two ways about it. If they draw or lose, then they will hand the keys to Man City due to goal difference. However, if Arsenal win their two remaining games, they will lift the Premier League title for the first time in over two decades, no matter what.

Arsenal will honour their lap of appreciation tonight

According to the Arsenal Supporters' Trust, there will be a lap of appreciation at the Emirates Stadium tonight to mark Arsenal's last home game of the season. Because it's a Monday night, the transition from the final whistle to the lap will be quick, and both Mikel Arteta and Martin Ødegaard will address the crowd.

Recently, when addressing the relationship between Arsenal fans and players (in light of the supporters rallying the team bus against Atleti), Mikel Arteta commented on how much it helped.

"I think all the players loved it. I think it builds an energy connection with them that we haven't experienced before. The whole preparation and the whole atmosphere showed that the level of meaning was higher, and the level of implication, desire and passion from our supporters was different as well. It really helps."

Mikel Arteta wants an energy connection? That's what he'll get

Mikel Arteta will be seeing plenty of the same tonight when he addresses the crowd. Provided Arsenal win and take one step closer to the Premier League title, his speech will be met with an astounding roar. His only concern, if Arsenal win, will be whether he is able to get a word in edgeways.

Part of what has made Arteta's tenure at Arsenal so impressive is that he hasn't only united the squad, but he's involved the Emirates Stadium crowd every step of the way.

In an age where it is easy to fall out of love with football and feel disconnected from the players more than ever, Arsenal are doing it right. Every tackle is met with a nod to the crowd, every celebration is shared with the fans, and every part of game preparation centres around how to get the crowd ramped up for the players.

More of the same tonight, we hope.

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