Will Slattery

They lost to Southampton in the FA Cup, didn't they?

What did they see?

It's funny.

Miguel writes, sorry, come out the back of this.

Mid-April,

They are exhausted.

Injuries are mounting.

Martin Zubamendi, signed specifically for a sense of control, looked exhausted.

And Miguel says, Arteta's response to any setback has been to work even harder on the training ground.

And this was an ethic that could be construed as admirable in other circumstances, but not with finely tuned athletes.

And the effects could be seen in the injury crisis endured every April.

So, guess who stepped forward and had a word with Arteta?

Juan Ebereche Eze, new man on the scene.

One of the newer players, he was also amongst the most laid back and he went up to his boss, writes Miguel.

In so many words, he told Arteta, we can do this, but we need some space.

Bit of chill, please, Miguel.

And Miguel writes, the manager listened.

Days off were increased.

the intensity of training sessions was lightened.

In the week before they claimed the title, he gave them three days off, followed by a barbecue.