‘Not easy to see’: Arteta says he saw something ‘very strange’ in first half of Arsenal v West Ham last night
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was once again taken aback by the support his side received from fans at the Emirates Stadium during a difficult period of the game last night.
The Gunners took on a determined West Ham side and although they dominated the game from the very first minute, it was the visitors who took the lead from the penalty spot.
Right after that happened, Arteta witnessed something ‘very strange’.
Mikel Arteta raves about Arsenal fans at the Emirates after West Ham win
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is one of the most beautiful football arenas in the world, but the atmosphere there over the years has been pretty toxic.
Arteta has completely changed that and the support Arsenal’s players have received this season, especially in difficult moments of the game, has been nothing short of incredible.
Last night, when West Ham converted their penalty to take the lead, it wasn’t the away fans making the most news – it was the home crowd, who cheered their side on to get back into the game.
An equaliser didn’t come immediately, but the support definitely played a part in the second half, and Arsenal battered the Hammers to deservedly win the game.
Speaking about the supporters, Arteta told BBC Sport after the game: “The crowd was incredible in the moment we conceded the goal, which is not easy to see.
“The way they reacted straight away after the team conceded was very strange to see. They kept that belief in the team.”
Our View:
Mikel Arteta has said on numerous occasions over the last three years that he wants to make the Emirates a fortress.
It has not been easy because of the Gunners’ form at times, but since the start of this season, they’ve been on a different level and home support is one of the biggest reasons why.
Arsenal have won every single Premier League game at the Emirates this season. They’re the only club in the division to have a 100 per cent record at home, and that explains why they are where they are.
If this continues until the end of the season, they could go on and achieve something really special.
