Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has pleaded to the fans for making Emirates stadium an “intimidating ground“. The Emirates is not looking “terrorizing enough” for the opposition teams. The atmosphere at the Emirates has often been derided ever since Arsenal made the move from Highbury in 2006.
However, that changed last season amid the Gunners’ push for a first Premier League title in 19 years. A mesmerizing home support saw Arsenal taking a huge lead during the first half of the season. Despite this, the North London side’s home ground is not looking that menacing so far now.
Speaking during the pre-match conference before the Liverpool clash in FA Cup, Arteta urges his fans to be “as electric as Anfield’s crowd“. He said,
“Can we tweak it and make it even more hostile? I think we can. That’s the next step in my opinion. We have to be so grateful for what we’re achieving in our home ground. Sunday is going to be another big one.”I think the team has to give more. It has to transmit that bite, that aggression, that intimidation and that dominance to the opponent. Certain games this season, and Champions League games, are going to create that next step. That’s my feeling.”
Following this hosting, Arsenal are scheduled to play only three of their next eight games at home. The Gunners will host Crystal Palace on January 20 followed by Liverpool on February 4.
After three consecutive away fixtures, Arsenal will welcome Newcastle United on February 24 to North London. However, if they successfully qualify for the fourth round of FA Cup, a home game will await for them at the end of January.
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