Make no mistakes there – that Arsene Wenger’s visit to the Emirates after not less than 1,695 days of absence was a huge statement. A definition of much-needed support for Mikel Arteta and his side in their quest for the Premier League title, the first one after Wenger’s Invincibles.Finally, it’s Arsenal from the old Wenger days – and he was there to see it”There’s only one Arsene Wenger” erupted from the stands after Gabriel Martinelli pulled the hosts ahead in the second half for the 10th home win in a row.And finally we meet ! 👑❤️ pic.twitter.com/e9IUeqJakO— Bukayo Saka (@BukayoSaka87) December 27, 2022 Talking about the (un)expected visit from his former coach, Arteta said: “The players didn’t know. We wanted to keep it quiet and allow that space for Arsene. Stan and Josh (Kroenke) are here as well. It’s a special day.”Thank you so much for him coming and hopefully, walking through the building, he is going to feel everything that everybody thinks of him, everything that he left here, but also his presence is something that has to be very attached to this football club. So, thank you for doing that because it means a lot to everybody at the club.”Arteta and Wenger during their times together at Arsenal (©Dan Mullan/Getty Images)When asked if he was heavily involved in convincing Wenger to return, he said: “I have been involved in the process, but it is about him, the timing that he needed to make that step and, hopefully, he is going to leave here and be willing to spend more time with us and be around us because he’s such an influence. For me personally, my career, the way I see the game, but as well for this football club,” concluded he.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 17MondayBrentford – Tottenham 2-2 (1-0)/Janelt 15, Toney 54 – Kane 65, Hojbjerg 71/Leicester – Newcastle 0-3 (0-3)/Wood 3 pen, Almiron 7, Joelinton 32/Southampton – Brighton 1-3 (0-2)/Ward-Prowse 74 – Lallana 15, Perraud 35 og, March 56/Everton – Wolverhampton 1-2 (1-1)/Mina 7 – Podence 22, Ait Nouri 90+5/Crystal Palace – Fulham 0-3 (0-1)/Reid 32, Reim 71, Mitrovic 81/Aston Villa – Liverpool 1-3 (0-2)/Watkins 59 – Salah 5, van Dijk 32, Bajcetic 80/Arsenal – West Ham 3-1 (0-1)/Saka 53, Martinelli 59, Nketiah 69 – Benrahma 27 pen/Tuesday20:30: (1.35) Chelsea (5.30) Bournemouth (10.0)23:00: (1.35) Man.Utd. (5.30) Nott.Forest (10.0)Wednesday23:00: (9.50) Leeds (5.90) Man.City (1.33)***odds are subject to change***
