Mikel Arteta says the value of the Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium is ‘infinite’, and he’s hoping for a special atmosphere on Monday night.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s final game of the season, Mikel Arteta has suggested that the fans can play a major role as his team take on Burnley on Monday night.
“Our 12th man, and a magic player, I would say,” Arteta told reporters. “Because when the stadium provides that level of energy, of passion, of optimism, of playing every single action with the team.
“When we have the ball, with us, when the opponent has the ball, against the opponent, in every element, they live the game like that.
“The value of that is just infinite. You cannot measure it, and the team becomes different; it’s as simple as that.”
There have been few Premier League games at the Emirates Stadium more important than Monday night’s.
Arsenal know they’re just two wins away from lifting the trophy, or one win and one slip-up from Manchester City. If everything goes perfectly, a win on Monday and City dropped points on Tuesday would see Arsenal confirmed champions within the next 36 hours.
But the team are walking a tightrope, and one slip from Arsenal would hand control back to City. Even just a draw against Burnley would make City favourites (due to their superior goal difference), and a defeat would take it out of the Gunners’ hands completely.
If the fans can provide any kind of boost to the team before, during, and after the match, they need to do it.
There are a number of plans in place for this final home game of the season, with supporters intending to greet the team coaches, a planned lap of appreciation after the game, and post-match speeches from Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard.
But more than that, the supporters have the opportunity to create a hostile environment for Burnley throughout the 90 minutes, and to drive their team on to three more vital points.
- Which Arsenal players could be called up for the u-20 Women’s World Cup?Which Arsenal youngsters could play at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup? England selection, injury updates and club release decisions all matter.
- Arsenal make decision on Salmon loanArsenal’s Marli Salmon will become eligible for a loan move later this month, but the Gunners are planning to hold onto him until at least January.
- Arsenal youngster signs for Swansea CityKaleab Meron has signed for Swansea City after coming to the end of his youth contract with Arsenal.
- How Vinicius really felt about Arsenal transferVinicius Junior was genuinely keen on a move to Arsenal and his camp were pleased by the Gunners’ approach, but his desire to remain with Real Madrid ultimately won out.
- Manchester United lead Arsenal in race for Leicester signingManchester United are leading the race to sign Louis Page from Leicester City, despite Arsenal showing an interest in the young midfielder.