Player interviews rarely reveal much about what’s going on within a team, but I found Mohammed Elneny’s comments before the Chelsea game to be quite interesting.

He said “we don’t allow big egos” and that everyone works for each other - this itself appears to be a huge factor in Arsenal’s success this season.

Lots of Premier League teams have used the formula of young up-and-coming players, some more experienced leaders and a sprinkling of big-name star players.

Mikel Arteta has decided not to go down that well tread path, and instead wants everyone to feel they’re on the same level.

Gabriel Jesus might be our most exciting signing of late, but he’s shown throughout the season that he’s a team player, never selfish in front of goal and someone who works tirelessly to provide chances for others on the team.

Like a lot of our recent signings, he’s come in to the club with something to prove, rather than feeling like he’s levels above the rest of the squad.

We’ve seen it happen so many times – big names wanting special treatment, causing division in the squad as a result and a manager who feels like they’re powerless.

It’s been a historic problem at Arsenal and more recently at some of our Premier League rivals too, who are having to prioritise mediation and squad cohesion when they should just be focusing on trying to win games. Arteta doesn’t have that issue anymore – and he’s not been afraid to cast aside anyone who doesn’t sign up to his vision.

This could be one of those soft factors that make all the difference in what is going to be a difficult, but potentially incredibly rewarding second half of the season.

Whilst other clubs face the turmoil of backroom staff leaving, owners putting them up for sale and new managers coming in, Arsenal have gone through that instability and come out the other side.

Our focus is clear – finishing in the top four and getting into the Champions League. A large majority of the squad don’t know what it’s like to play on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, but they’re being helped along by a few who do.

And it’s not like they don’t deserve it either, this team has learnt from the pain of the previous season, has grown and matured and now has what it takes to go to the next level.

This article first appeared in issue 298 of the Gooner Fanzine