Mikel Arteta and Oleksandr Zinchenko have both praised Arsenal fans for their support at the Emirates Stadium, ahead of another big game this weekend.
In recent years, the Arsenal support at the Emirates Stadium has been somewhat transformed, with the fans finally seeming to settle into their new home following a bit of an adjustment period leaving Highbury behind.
There have been certain driving factors behind the change, with the addition of a pre-game song in ‘North London Forever’, the Ashburton Army singing throughout every game in the Clock End, and the team’s improvement on the pitch undoubtedly also helping.
Speaking to the media ahead of the weekend’s big game against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta claimed the current atmosphere is the best the Emirates Stadium has ever had.
“First of all I think that we have the best atmosphere ever at the Emirates and if we can create that then it’s going to be so helpful for the team,” Arteta said.
“We have moments where we have managed it (the emotion of the game) exceptionally well. Against PSV was a really good example and certain parts against Spurs, but that’s down to us.
“Hopefully, the crowd can give us that and that will be a big plus for us.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko also had plenty of praise for the home support ahead of the Manchester City clash.
“The fans at Emirates Stadium are always trying to push us forward,” Zinchenko said. “We really appreciate it because it helps us a lot when there are tough moments.
“It was always a pleasure to play here as a City player. Apart from the amazing crowd, they always had amazing grass on the pitch. It’s a pleasure to play here.
“I don’t remember getting cramp playing here because of the quality of the pitch.
“Before kick-off, the way our crowd sings North London Forever is so loud and gives you goosebumps.”
The fans will surely be up for Sunday’s match, with last season’s Premier League champions turning up with a place at the top of the table up for grabs.
As Arteta says, it’ll be up to the players to respond and produce a good performance.