Arsenal’s hosts relegated Burnley on Monday night ahead of Manchester City’s game against Bournemouth, knowing a win would take them enticingly closer to winning the league for the first time in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal fans to make a difference against Burnley (Image: Sky Sports)
Mikel Arteta described the Emirates crowd as Arsenal’s “12th man” in their title challenge.
Gunners manager Arteta has insisted fans can become “magic players” as Arsenal chase the two wins needed to win the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years. Supporters are organizing a huge ‘Say Hello to the Bus’ campaign to boost the atmosphere ahead of Monday’s game against Burnley.
There were times when he was nervous in the run-up to the title, but Arteta says it was the fans who made all the difference.
Arteta said of the fans: “They are our 12th man, they are our magic players. When the stadium provides that level of energy, passion and optimism, they do everything with the team.”
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“When we have the ball, when they have the ball, in every element, that’s how they play the game. The value of that is just endless. I don’t think you can measure it. It makes you a different team. It’s as simple as that.”
Arteta played for Arsenal and captained them during a difficult period towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s reign, when crowds were hostile towards the players.
But it was when he was Josep Guardiola’s number two at Manchester City and saw half the home end empty, disgruntled and fed up fans, that it really struck a chord with him.
Turning things around was his first task and Arsenal now aim to repay that faith with a trophy.
Arsenal could be crowned Premier League champions in midweek if results go well (Image: Getty)
“That was the first, because a few days before I was appointed here, I was on the other bench at Man City and I saw that image, that atmosphere in the stadium, the crowd… 50% of the stadium was empty,” Arteta said.
“This really bothered me. I said, ‘Now there’s no projects, there’s nothing to do. This isn’t going to work.’
“Unfortunately, then COVID-19 happened and the situation deteriorated rapidly because instead of 50%, it went to zero, so the job becomes even more difficult.
“So then we had to rebuild everything. But even though it’s hard at first, it’s better that way. So seeing that change and seeing people’s joy is beautiful to see.”
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