It’s been a big challenge and a strangely enjoyable season

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It ended in defeat for Burnley on the final day of the season with Arsenal beating us 3-1 on what was Unai Emery’s first ever game in charge of the Gunners at Turf Moor.

After the game, the Arsenal boss said: “Yes, it gives us 70 points, not enough for the top four but we are progressing and we work on being consistent. We can’t be 100 per cent happy but today and all the season, the players worked well to do our process of improving and to be closer to the top four.

“We finished a very big distance behind Liverpool and City, but closer to Chelsea and Tottenham. Our idea is to continue with our process.

“Individually we can take some objectives. it’s good that Aubameyang (jointly won the Golden Boot). Every player works for the team and to help each other to their capacity. Aubameyang is our striker with Lacazette and Nketiah, who has the possibility to improve with us. We can be played with him.”

Embed from Getty ImagesWe might have lost, but Sean Dyche confirmed: “I was quite pleased with the performance against a good side and we could have been ahead at half time, and then it could have been a different game, but over the season I’m really pleased. We have had a lot going on this season and it’s been a big challenge and a strangely enjoyable season, because we were in real bad shape at Christmas, so to turn that around is fantastic.

“We’ve all seen sides have stats like that and who disappear, so to turn it around for the second half of the season has been my biggest achievement as a manager; working it all out, piecing it back together and, along with my staff, getting a team out there that can win games.

“On top of that, the players have delivered. The strength and mentality has been incredible, and in the end the thing that serves you well in the end is not about tactics. It’s about the environment, and the players know how to take games on and deliver enough performances to get points on the board. When you take into account the start we made and injuries galore throughout the season, to have the mental strength to see through all that and take it on is a fantastic thing.”

He admitted: “It’s been a tough old season in so many ways, and European football was a great badge of honour for this football club, after over 50-odd years. I heard about all the history of the club when I first got here and now we are creating history every single season, and that is a remarkable thing for these players. They don’t know it yet, and maybe I don’t either, but there will come a time in my life when I look back and realise all the good work that has been done here.”

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