Mikel Arteta still has his doubters from the Arsenal fanbase, but the manager has 'earned the right' to take club forward next season.
That's according to former Premier League striker Darren Bent, after watching his beloved Gunners continue their march towards a Champions League return.
Arteta could lead Arsenal to their first top four finish since the 2015/16 season
The Gunners are holders of that all-important Premier League fourth spot over rivals Tottenham by just a two point margin.
It has been a journey of patience for the club as Arteta's project is finally paying dividends.
After losing their opening three games, there has been plenty of brilliant football from the young Arsenal stars.
Three consecutive league wins over Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham - recovering after a run of three straight defeats - has put the Gunners ahead of their rivals for that Champions League spot.
Bent claims Arteta has yet to win over the entire Arsenal support, but heaped praise on the Spaniard on the talkSPORT Breakfast show.
The boyhood Arsenal fan said: "There are still a lot of Arsenal fans who are unsure about Mikel Arteta being in charge of Arsenal Football Club.
Arsenal's win over West Ham took them back into the top four
"They still think, come the end of the season, regardless of whether Arsenal are in the Champions League or not, he should not be the manager to take them forward.
"I completely disagree," he added. "I think he is the right manager to take them forward.
"He's earned the right to move into next season, certainly if Arsenal are in the Champions League."
There are sure to be plenty of twists and turns in the race for the top four before the end of the season, with the north London derby still to be played on May 12.
Arteta admitted he was happy that his side managed to get over the line against West Ham in a 2-1 victory, even if it was not the prettiest.
"In England you say 'win ugly' and from my point of view we won ugly," Arteta said.
"It was a massive win in very difficult circumstances because we caused ourselves problems, especially with our decision-making.
"But the team showed huge character, not giving up but to continue doing the right things.
The future is looking bright for Arsenal under Arteta now
"The way they fought and the way they understood how they had to manage the game in certain moments, it was phenomenal.
"I am extremely happy to see a team that has this capacity to find a way to win and to show the character they showed."
Arteta also denied that Arsenal are feeling the pressure of competing with Chelsea and Tottenham for the two available Champions League places.
"When you have to pass the ball from A to B under pressure or no pressure, this is an excuse," he said.
"We were just sloppy at times and not precise and that led to a game we didn't want to play in many moments.
"We recognise that and sometimes it happens. To play here against this team is not easy at all and we found a way to win the match."
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