Isaac Hayden claims that playing for Newcastle has a different ‘aura’ compared to Arsenal.
- Hayden brought through the Arsenal academy
- Only appeared twice for the first team
- Featured 32 times for the u23s
- Claims St. James’ Park has better atmosphere than Emirates
- 22-year-old has played 38 times for Magpies
Hayden signed for Newcastle last year after Arsenal sent him on a season-long loan to Hull.
The midfielder only ever played twice for Arsenal’s first team, and both appearances were in the League Cup, so it’s hard to pin-point when exactly he was supposed to have felt the atmosphere or lack thereof at the Emirates…
Speaking to the Times, recently, the 22-year-old hailed the ‘vibe’ at St. James’ Park, claiming that it’s completely different to playing for the Gunners.
“It’s a special feeling here,” he said.
“Arsenal are a massive club, but it doesn’t have the same aura as Newcastle.
“I pulled on the red-and-white Arsenal shirt — maybe not enough times to fully appreciate it — but it’s almost like a sense of pure passion from the Geordies, compared to the Arsenal fans.
“Don’t get me wrong, Arsenal fans have had a tough time as well and been great, but I didn’t get the feeling when you walk out at the Emirates as when I walk out at St James.
“It’s a different vibe. At Newcastle, it’s like I’m representing the guy in the stands. When we lose, I know 50,000 people are not going to have a good weekend.
“They make me feel like I’m representing them directly on the pitch. I didn’t get that at Arsenal or Hull.”
The Emirates isn’t know for its bouncing atmosphere, although I’m sure people are harsher on it than they need to be. However, considering that Hayden hardly played there, his comments smack of him just trying to pander to the Newcastle fans.