Emirates is land of the rising Gun
HOME is where the heart is in Arsenal’s bid to be title-race contenders.
That is the message from Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, as
Mikel Arteta’s men look to return to winning ways today at the Emirates.
After their 1-1 draw at Southampton, Arsenal lost their grip on top spot yesterday as Manchester City won 1-0 at Leicester.
But as the Gunners welcome Nottingham Forest today, Tomiyasu has spoken of the side’s everincreasing confidence.
He said: “We have to be careful with Forest, but we are playing at home… with 60,000 people behind us!
“Our fans are amazing. You feel it out on the pitch that they are behind you. It makes you want to give something back to them.”
That upbeat mood is definitely assisting
Arteta’s high-fliers.
Despite the slip at St Mary’s, the Gunners’ fivegame winning streak at fortress Emirates underlines the task facing Steve Cooper’s Forest.
Tomiyasu, 23, added: “We’re so frustrated and disappointed with that draw result against Southampton.
“But we don’t need to be negative now.
“What we are showing on the pitch is terrific, and this is what we’ll try to do again against Forest.”
As for his ability to double up in the full-back role, versatile Tomiyasu, who operated on both the left and the right side against Southampton, insists it is no big deal.
“When I was in Japan, I used to play as No.6. I started playing as a fullback three or four years ago in Bologna,” added Tomiyasu, who will be a crucial part of his nation’s World Cup challenge.
“But it doesn’t matter where I play. I’m happy to play anywhere on the pitch – as long as I help.”