Arsenal owner Josh Kroenke shows class with Ben White gesture after transfer vow

Arsenal carried out their lap of appreciation on Monday evening as they took a giant step toward their first Premier League title since 2004 following a 1-0 victory over Burnley

As Arsenal's players, staff and families flooded the North Bank penalty box and gathered before club snapper Stuart MacFarlane, it was a scene that embodied everything Mikel Arteta has worked so hard to create and build.

It was also a display of strength and unity, two key principles the Spaniard has commanded on the long, winding road to Premier League title glory and beyond.

It was also a firm reminder that Arsenal's starters and substitutes are not just breaking boundaries for one another; they are also doing it for their parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, partners, cousins and others who have made selfless sacrifices along the way.

The Gunners have won nothing yet but that could change as early as this evening when Bournemouth host Manchester City. While it's general football tradition to pay homage to the club's supporters after the final home game of the season, there was a sense Arteta wanted his squad to savour and cherish the moment after scrapping their way past dogged Burnley because they're on the cusp of achieving history.

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Josh Kroenke, who appeared to issue a bold transfer vow in his programme notes by claiming there will "be no standing still" this summer, dished out on-field handshakes and hugs before embracing Ben White in a true show of class following the right-back's season-ending MCL knee injury at West Ham.

White, who will not require surgery, was able to walk around the perimeter of the pitch during Arsenal's lap of appreciation. His right knee remains in a brace but he is not on crutches.

Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino, who are both hoping to prove their fitness in time to feature in the Champions League final against PSG on May 30, were also in good spirits and moving freely.

Versatile and experienced midfielder Merino, donning a swanky leather jacket, was spotted springing around off both feet as he joked with Riccardo Calafiori, seemingly mocking Piero Hincapie.

Goalkeeper and Premier League Golden Glove winner David Raya was moving gingerly following his hefty collision with pumped-up Burnley centre-forward Zian Flemming but the Arsenal No.1 is expected to be fine. There wasn't too much concern over Leandro Trossard either, who was forced off with abdominal pain late in the second half.

Shortly after the Arsenal squad made their way over to the penalty area, a viral TikTok song that has become an Arsenal favourite began to play over the PA and it's safe to say the tune was well received. Declan Rice started to sing before receiving a huge bear hug from Ben Winston and reborn midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly danced joyfully. Mascot Gunnersaurus was also captured doing press-ups.

Perhaps the most emblematic still, though, was of Arteta embracing his three children plus his wife Lorena. They are what keeps the fire burning and Arsenal's most-decisive figure ticking.

That's why it was heartwarming to watch one of world football's most-passionate coaches break character for a second. Naturally, Arteta's youngest son Oliver, wearing an Eberechi Eze jersey, started to lecture his father about something.

Daniel, wearing a Rice shirt, simply hugged his dad while eldest son Gabriel, who is now part of the club's youth team ranks, was just taking it all in while also interacting with players and staff members.

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