Arsenal’s match against Manchester United on Wednesday night will be the mens team’s 500th game at Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta is calling on the supporters to elevate the atmosphere for this special occasion.
The Gunners boss believes the supporters can significantly influence the game as Arsenal aim for a fourth consecutive win.
Arteta played 75 games at Emirates Stadium between 2011 and 2016 and has managed 120 matches there since his return at the end of 2019.
He mentioned that being on the sidelines is a completely different experience and has urged the Emirates faithful to bring the noise again on Wednesday.
Arteta calls on Arsenal fans to bring energy against Manchester United
“It feels different, probably because I’m not on the pitch, I’m on the sidelines and it’s different,” he said. “But everybody talks about it. You have an experience and atmosphere like this at home, and it makes a huge difference.”
“And tomorrow, that’s exactly what we need. Hyper energy. Everybody on it, playing every single ball with us and the team is going to respond to that.”
Arsenal’s very first game at Emirates Stadium took place in August 2006, and Arteta made both his debut and farewell appearances there, scoring some crucial goals along the way. As manager, he has also overseen 79 home victories. So, what have been his personal highlights?
“Well, the first one: my debut against Swansea,” he said. “And then realising how beautiful it is to play for this football club in such a beautiful stadium. Also, the transformation in the atmosphere and how incredible we all feel about playing at home in front of our crowd, and the energy that they provide, which is something that I think is exceptional.”
Arsenal will be eager to show that their new-found form is not a fluke by trying to beat Manchester United in front of their home fans. In the same vein, Ruben Amorim will be looking to build on his Manchester United start by beating such an opposition as Arsenal and it would be interesting to see how that game ends at the Emirates.
