‘WE’RE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’

MIKEL ARTETA is convinced everyone at Arsenal is finally pulling in the same direction – from the boardroom to the dressing room to the stands.

And he is equally certain that show of unity behind one cause will be evident this afternoon when his Gunners host Chelsea.

After opening the campaign with a 2-0 reverse at newly-promoted Brentford eight days ago, many of the usual fears among the North Londoners’ faithful resurfaced. However, dismissing talk of an early crisis inside the camp, defiant Arteta insisted he has no concerns as to how the supporters might react should things start to go wrong against Thomas Tuchel’s

European champions.

The Spaniard (right) is predicting a buoyant, rocking atmosphere inside the Emirates.

He believes the supporters: have bought into the club’s plan of recruiting younger talent with the potential to light up N5 for years to come. Boss Arterta, in his second full season at the helm, declared: “We’re going to have the help of our fans on Sunday, which is very important. I don’t think they will be in an apprehensive mood. They will be right behind the team. They know what we are trying to do. They will be there for us because they know, as well, that our young players need them more than ever.

“Arsenal fans, when things are a bit difficult, are always behind the team.” Arsenal have spent £100million plus this summer – the most of any Premier League outfit so far. The arrivals, which include £50m Ben White and £30m Martin Odegaard, suggest the club hierarchy still consider Arteta the right man to revive the glory days.

Arsenal did the league double over the Blues last season yet Arteta is under no illusions with regards to the challenge awaiting his depleted COVID-HIT squad this time round.

He said: “In order to beat Chelsea, we need to be perfect. But the young players can cope with this level of pressure because of the passion and enthusiasm they have behind them.”