14 March 2023 , 10:26
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Edu has explained how Arsenal have had to make "unpopular decisions" in a bid to become successful - with the Gunners aiming for their first Premier League title since 2004.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sit five points clear of second-place Manchester City at the top of the division and have lost just three times all season, winning 21 of their 27 top-flight matches.
However, there have been many bumps along the road since Arteta took over from Unai Emery in December 2019. The Spaniard had a rather successful first campaign, winning the FA Cup at the end of the season, before enduring a dreadful second as they finished eighth - their lowest-ever Premier League finish.
And after losing their opening three games of the 2021/22 campaign, it looked as though Arteta's time may be up at the Emirates Stadium. But Edu and the Gunners hierarchy stuck with the 40-year-old and believed in the process.
As Arsenal's form started to improve, they had to make a difficult decision to let Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang leave despite scoring 92 goals in 163 appearances. It was a move that was in the best interest of the Gunners, however, as Arteta continued to revolutionise the club.
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Speaking about Arsenal's revolution, Edu told Sky Sports: "People would make jokes about our process, we were quite clear about all the steps. We know we were going to go through some challenging periods because sometimes we have to make some unpopular decisions, which could cause some instability.
Mikel Arteta, Edu and Jorginho (Getty Images)Will Arsenal win the Premier League this season? Let us know in the comments below!
"But, internally we were quite strong to understand the process and we are where we are. There is still a lot to do, we are in the middle of it but we are still happy and proud to see where we are at the moment."
Although Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Champions League last season, they have continued to grow and develop their squad, and most importantly, trust Arteta. The ex-Everton midfielder is begging to repay the faith shown in him as the Gunners close in on the Premier League title.
Arsenal recorded their fifth straight league win on Sunday as they swept aside Fulham to continue their impressive run. However, it isn't just their domestic form that has been excellent.
In Europe, the Gunners stormed their Europa League group and are aiming to get through to the quarter-final of the competition when they face Sporting CP in the last-16 second-leg on Thursday night.
The Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw in Portugal last week and Arteta admitted his side must improve massively if they want to reach the next round.
He said: "It's true that it's something that we must improve massively if we want to keep winning games," said the Spaniard. When you concede two poor goals like we did away from home in Europe it's very difficult to get a positive result. We gave too many simple balls away. We need to defend our box much better."