MAKE HOME FAN-TASTIC
Arteta: 2,000 supporters will turn form around
in a league game since the lockdown, 2,000 fans will be back at the Emirates.
After Arteta took over nearly a year ago, Arsenal’s home record improved dramatically, as, after losing their first home match under him against Chelsea, they then went undefeated at the Emirates in the league for the rest of the campaign, in nine matches.
But this year, that form has dipped alarmingly. The Arsenal manager believes that wins in these two back to back games could change the direction of Arsenal’s whole season.
He said: “Absolutely. We can do nothing right now about what happened in the past few weeks.
“We know home form is going to be vital to our success and we have to change that immediately.
“If we want to have any hope of doing something important and relevant this season, it has to be by winning games at home.”
Arteta is convinced that his team have the spirit to bounce back from Sunday’s dismal 2-0 North London derby loss to Tottenham.
He said: “I am 100 per cent confident they will respond in the right way.
“Getting a result depends on many factors.
“The desire, the commitment, the attitude and everything that they need to put on that pitch will be there tomorrow.
“But it is not just about character. To win football matches you have to make a good decision on that pitch and everybody has to contribute.
“It is not just about how much you want it. There is an opponent that is going to try to minimise your strengths and maximise your weaknesses.
“But what I can tell you is that the team will be prepared to battle with a real desire, because we know how important this game is.”