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Mikel Arteta appears to have picked up one clear managerial trait from former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger - his tendency to defend his players at all costs.

The Gunners legend was always one to leap to the defence of his players and protect them from outside noise, something Arteta has done on multiple occasions during his short career as a manager. Some may argue he had to, Arsenal have endured some of the worst form of their recent history under the Spaniard, but things finally seem to be on an upward trajectory.

Arsenal are within touching distance of Champions League football for next season, with Arteta's troops currently occupying the much-coveted fourth spot with four games to play. They boast a slender two-point lead over their nearest challengers - fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Were the Gunners to get over the line and finish fourth, the feat would be made all the more impressive when considering just how young this Arsenal side are. The average age of the club's starting eleven is 24 years, while Arteta has named the youngest side of each match-week 27 times this term.

Therefore, the campaign has been anything but plain-sailing. Just weeks ago Arsenal were reeling from three successive defeats by clubs many had tipped them to beat. It was after their third loss -