Mikel Arteta is proud that the Arsenal crowd are sticking with the team, despite some bumps in the road this season so far.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2021. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arsenal have struggled for consistency in a lot of areas this season, whether that’s goalscoring, chance creation, or simply results – with winning runs followed by 4-0 defeats or shock losses to teams in dire form like Everton or Manchester United.

But one thing that Arsenal have consistently had going for them is fan support in the stands.

Even in 20th after the first three games of the season, the fans backed the team to turn things around. The atmosphere against Spurs was one of the best I’ve ever been a part of, despite Arsenal starting the day in the bottom half of the table.

There have been other slip-ups, like the home draw with Crystal Palace or the recent run of away defeats, but the fans are always back the next game ready to push their side across the line.

Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal side are making progress, and that they’re building a relationship with the supporters.

“We’ve made some progress but there’s still a lot to do and we have to be aware of that,” Arteta said.

“We’ve had some bumps in the road but I think we have learnt a lot from them, first of all, because we have stuck together, from the top of the club to every member of the team and the staff.

“The biggest compliment I can give, and the players are feeling exactly the same way, is the way that we have our crowd behind us.

“To see that chemistry between team and crowd is unique – and I’m so proud of that.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Ben White and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Ben White and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side’s third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

It’s certainly a boost to have the fans on side, particularly at home.

You want to make your stadium a difficult place to come to, and that’s exactly what the Emirates is right now. Only Manchester City can match Arsenal’s points total at home this season.