UNAI-TED! Bellerin insists there is no split in Gunners camp

HECTOR BELLERIN insists Unai Emery has the full backing of the Arsenal dressing room – if not the fans.

The mood at The Emirates on Thursday night was heavy as the Gunners came from behind to beat Portuguese outfit Vitoria SC in the Europa League with two late Nicolas Pepe strikes.

But while the 3-2 win maintained the club’s 100 per cent record in the competition, the home support were chanting the name of Germany outcast Mesut Ozil after 23 minutes.

That was a clear show of anger towards their manager – and his refusal to include the former Real Madrid man in his match-day squads.

However, if that issue, allied to poor results like Monday’s

1-0 league defeat at Sheffield United, has left many fans doubting Emery’s ability, it is not a view shared by the players, according to Bellerin.

And the fit-again Spanish full-back is equally certain the former Paris SaintGermain boss continues to enjoy the unwavering support of the Arsenal hierarchy.

Ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace this afternoon, Bellerin said: “This team has evolved a lot since the beginning of last season.

“He has his own ideas – and he’s done so well at Sevilla, Valencia and Paris that everyone trusts him.”

Much of the criticism aimed at Emery is over a perceived lack of improvement on the pitch since he succeeded Arsene Wenger 15 months ago.

The Gunners defence is still dodgy. They still struggle on their travels. They are still miles off being title challengers.

But Bellerin, one of Arsenal’s five captains, added: “If you take away the last three games from last year, it would have been a very positive season. Sometimes things don’t go your way – as on Thursday when we’re 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go.

“But it’s about turning it around and showing character. We have that at the club.”

As for his battle to regain his place in Emery’s Premier League line-up after eight months out with a cruciate injury, Bellerin has declared himself ready. Admitting there was plenty of despair at being sidelined so long, the Gunners ace still found some positives amid a nightmare situation. Bellerin, who has started the last two Europa League games, said: “These injuries are not just about making sure the knee is solid. It’s about getting confidence back on the pitch.

“You need to get used to the traffic again and getting kicked and stuff. Sometimes being thrown into games is the best remedy. I hope the manager feels the same. “When you are stopped doing something you love so much, there’s nothing worse. “But I had distractions – like living in my home town for two months. Although I was on the sofa and couldn’t move, it was a long time since I’d enjoyed my friends and family.

“When life takes things, it also gives you positives. “It’s always important to look on the bright side.”