Andrea Berta was fully engrossed in Arsenal’s Premier League title celebrations on Sunday at Selhurst Park when they finally got their hands on the trophy
There was a symbolic moment on Sunday when Andrea Berta became the first Arsenal figure to leave the on-pitch Premier League title celebrations at Selhurst Park.
Whether he needed the toilet or was going something else remains a mystery, however, it ties in with his reputation as a relentless worker and businessman who gets transfer deals done.
Without Berta, there’s an argument that title glory would not have happened. The same, of course, applies to Mikel Arteta, the playing squad and the supporters, too.
The Italian oversaw a record-breaking summer spend and the majority of those buys, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera, have all been major hits.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Now the hard work is about to start again, which is why it felt emblematic to see Berta trudging off the turf, almost as if he was onto his next task.
It came less than a week after co-owner Josh Kroenke promised to ensure Arsenal would not stand still. He has vowed to keep the ball rolling and Berta will prove key to that line of thinking.
Kroenke said in the matchday programme ahead of the 1-0 win over Burnley: “We will give everything we’ve got to win major trophies and you can rest assured that everyone at the club will continue the hard work to make the coming weeks unforgettable.
“The connection we feel with our supporters fills us with pride. Between us, we are building something very special, and wherever this month of May takes us, there will be no standing still when the season ends.
“Never before have we won as many games in a season as we have this time out — our 43 victories so far surpassing the 41 of our double-winning 1970-71 season.
“We talked about reaching new heights during our pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong, and those wins show the journey we’re on to achieve that.
“We have made great strides and now we all hope and believe we can take the final steps required to reach the top. We will do it together.”
It’s said Arsenal will not do as much transfer business as they did last summer.
Still, it feels like another crucial window. There is a chance to move away from Manchester City, who have parted company with Pep Guardiola, depending on how ruthless Arteta and Berta decide to be.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
