With no silverware to toast, there could have been an emptiness that filled the stadium - but the manager got the backing he wanted.

Injuries have crippled a squad which Arteta has freely described as “thin”, leaving Arsenal without a recognised centre-forward for most of the campaign’s conclusion. Arteta acknowledged the “need” for more recruits in what he billed as “a very exciting summer”.

Mikel Arteta has challenged the Arsenal hierarchy to "do what they have to do" in the summer transfer market to turn the club into Premier League champions.