Mikel Arteta has changed many things at Arsenal since being appointed head coach in 2019. Standards, aspirations, playing style and player attitudes are just some of the things the Spaniard has altered over the past near-four years.
Another change overseen by Arteta is the atmosphere inside Emirates Stadium. At the start of his reign, following years of frustration under Unai Emery and Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal faithful were often quick to make their feelings known when things were not going right on the pitch.
Fast forward to 2023 and matchdays at Emirates Stadium couldn't be more different. Fans are enjoying watching Arsenal play football again and they have helped create some incredible atmospheres over the past 12 months, helping the Gunners go on an unlikely title charge last season which ensured Champions League football returned for this campaign.
«It is lifting us,» Arteta said in May 2022 when asked how important he thought the fans have been to results on the pitch. «That chemistry and that connection is growing every single week, and you can sense that the players certainly do it.
»They talk about the difference that it makes to play in the stadium, but even when we are away from home the incredible support that we get. That was something that we were missing in the last two years, we discussed that many, many times. In my opinion that is the game changer, it’s their energy and their emotions towards the team that is really contagious."
The introduction of Louis Dunford's 'The Angel' has added a warm touch to the matchday experience for supporters. The song was played for the first time in May 2022 after going viral online and is now blasted around the Emirates Stadium just minutes before kick-off.
Ex-Arsenal
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