Roy Keane was confident that Mikel Arteta deserved time at Arsenal even when Chelsea put them to the sword last term as calls grew for the Spaniard to be axed.
The Blues were the second team to beat the Gunners last season after their opening night loss at Brentford. They were dominated by the west Londoners before they went to Manchester City six days later and lost 5-0, leaving them rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.
It was the club's worst start since 1954 as some began to question whether Arteta, then beginning his second full season as boss, had what it took to deliver at the club he previously played at.
