Mikel Arteta sends message to Josh Kroenke in 100th Arsenal game

The mood at the Emirates has not been so good for quite some time.

Arsenal's victory over Watford on Sunday extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games and lifted them to fifth in the Premier League.

Remarkably, the Gunners will go above Liverpool if they win at Anfield after the international break - something which seemed impossible in late August after a 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City left the north Londoners without a point from three games.

Five Premier League managers have already been sacked just 11 games into the season, but Arteta is the flavour of the month as his project goes from strength to strength.

Club chiefs are reaping the rewards of their faith in the Spaniard, and it was fitting that Josh Kroneke was in attendance for his 100th game in the Arsenal hot seat.

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A narrow win was not representative of a dominant Gunners performance against the relegation-threatened Hornets, who were limited to just one shot on target.

It took a fine performance by visiting goalkeeper Ben Foster to keep the scoreline respectable and the former England international denied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first-half penalty.

But Arsenal were unfazed by the squandered chance to take the lead, and they had the air of a team expecting the opener would come.

Not for the first time this season, Emile Smith Rowe was the man to produce as he scored his fourth goal in six games.

The Englishman's drilled effort ensured Arteta marked his century with a 54th victory, meaning he has a better record than Arsene Wenger (51 wins) after his first 100 games.

Pep Guardiola's former assistant has given his side a clear identity with a dependable new-look defence and a blend of youth and experience in attack.

Arteta's coaching ability has shone through in the way Smith Rowe has progressed this season, and the depth and collective effort of the squad was evidenced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles' composed midfield display on a rare start.

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But Jack Wilshere was also keen to highlight the role Josh Kroenke, the son of club owner Stan, has played in improving the situation since last season's underwhelming eighth-place finish.

"He (Kroenke) is a man who cares about the club," Wilshere told Sky Sports. "I met him this week, and he is involved with the academy, he is trying to improve things around the training ground."

The Kroenkes have their opponents amongst the Arsenal fanbase and Arteta has also faced his fair share of criticism, but the club are undoubtedly moving in the right direction under their leadership.