New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta eager to get the fans back onside 

Mikel Arteta admits that Arsenal need to get their fans back onside but he must first convince his players of his methods.

The Gunners’ new head coach knows the importance of repairing the relationship between the team and fans which was broken by the end of Unai Emery’s reign.

Arteta, who will take charge of his first home game on Sunday, made reference to the issue and the need for ‘that connection’ after his squad went to acknowledge the travelling supporters following Arsenal’s 1-1 Boxing Day draw at Bournemouth. 

New Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is eager for the club to get their supporters back onside

He said: ‘First I need to convince the players and then, if I can convince the players, afterwards we can convince the fans.

‘I think it’s very, very important in my job.

‘I was really pleased with how the fans treated the players at Bournemouth and I was happy that the players went to see the fans after the game as well because we need that connection.

‘Slowly, we need to build that back to where it was. It’s going to be very powerful for us to use that. We play for them. At the end of the day, they’re expecting a lot from us.

‘We have to give them enjoyment, we have to make their lives better and when we win it will be better because they will be happier.

‘It’s our responsibility and we have to do everything we can to achieve that.’

Ainsley Maitland-Niles gave his shirt to supporters after the 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth

Arteta already looks like a unifying force, judging by the rapturous welcome he received when he went over to thank the Arsenal supporters at the Vitality Stadium.

Chelsea’s London derby visit for his first home game in charge presents an ideal opportunity for him to accelerate the process of endearing himself to Arsenal fans and transform the mood after only two wins in their last 16 games. 

He said: ‘I think energy is everything, in life in football and in sports. If we are able to generate this, it will give us a lift.’

Arteta was encouraged by Arsenal’s performance and is looking to build on it against Chelsea

Arteta saw more positive signs against Bournemouth than he was expecting from his first game in charge.

The Spaniard added: ‘What I want now is to review the game, go through the individual and collective issues that we had, the positives and negatives, to try to convince them that if they do more of this then they will be more comfortable in the game.

‘Then we’ll be closer to winning football games.

‘I know Chelsea lost at home against Southampton but they are a terrific team, so it will be a really good test for us.’