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Mikel Arteta hailed the “special” return of 2,000 Arsenal fans for their Europa League win against Rapid Vienna, adding that the players felt a huge difference.
It has been nine months since fans have graced the stands of the Emirates, but after a recent lifting of England’s second national lockdown and return to Tier 2 restrictions in London, a small number of fans were allowed back into the stadium.
Despite a recent run of poor form, especially in the Premier League, the Arsenal fans were treated to a superb performance by their team, beating Rapid Vienna 4-1 and seeing the return of long-term injury absentees Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers.
Arteta said: “It was very special and [I’m] delighted to have them
[the fans] back. I think they made a huge contribution.
“We had 2,000 but it looked like many more.
They were really supportive with the team, they were very encouraging to the team
and the lads were saying here it makes a huge difference to feel that encouragement and support from them.
“Thank you so much to them for coming and supporting the team.
“This sport without fans is completely different.
The players lose a bit of purpose and emotion. We are here to entertain and make the fans enjoy.
When they are able to transmit that it gets directly to the players.”
At one point, the fans asked for an Arteta wave, but the manager explained: “I was so focused on the game I didn’t hear what they were saying.
I really appreciate that. It made a huge difference honestly.”
Arsenal maintained their 100 per cent record in the Europa League group stages with victory on Thursday, and Arteta was pleased with the response after losing to Wolves on Sunday.
He told Arsenal.com: “It was a great reaction from the boys and right from the kick-off we were active and really aggressive, without and with the ball.
“We were creative, we had a lot of movements, we had purpose, we attacked the opponent’s box and we created many chances to score four goals. We probably could have score more as well.
“It’s great news [to see Pablo and Calum back] because those boys have been working really hard with the medical department.
They put in a lot of hours to give themselves the chance to play and perform the way they did today.
We have another two really good characters back with us and it’s really good news.”
Vincent Paul
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