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Arteta urges supporters to replicate NLD passion

Mikel Arteta celebrates against Tottenham Hotspur

Ahead of today’s north London derby, Mikel Arteta has urged our supporters to replicate their noise and passion from the last time Tottenham visited, with the hope it will inspire a similar result on the pitch.

Last season saw us triumph 3-1 over our neighbours amongst a cauldron of noise inside Emirates Stadium, and the anticipation of experiencing a similar scene has got the boss relishing the afternoon.

Speaking about the impact you Gooners will have on proceedings, he said: “I think our supporters will be crucial. If they are able to create the atmosphere they did last year - which I’m sure they will - the team will be flying because it is just so helpful.

“I can’t wait to see the atmosphere, I am so excited about it,” he added. “We experienced an incredible game and atmosphere last time we played them at home and I encourage everyone to do the same.

“The belief and emotion and the passion they put in really helps the team get what we want. It transforms the emotion, the players’ implication and level of confidence. It is a driving force, so hopefully we’ll experience that again.”

Before kick-off, the now-familiar sound of Louis Dunford’s The Angel will ring around the stadium, with a packed house belting out the words from the stands. That is a moment that Arteta also can’t wait for as the red half of north London rally behind our team.

Speaking about his feelings for the song, he said: “I get emotional. It is unique, it is from a local guy that has huge feelings for our football club and has shown it in a very natural way, and the timing clicked. 

“It’s not something we created - it was something that happened naturally. It was like a huge wave and the supporters bought into it. They feel it and you can sense it.”

Ahead of the big game, read our match preview, find out some unique NLD stats and watch some classic moments from home wins against Spurs.