For opposition players, Highbury was not the most intimidating ground to visit, and neither is the Emirates Stadium. While Anfield is famous for the atmosphere generated by the fans, especially for European matches, Gunners fans can often seem quiet, especially at the times when their team needs the most support.
Indeed, the Daily Mail reports that Arsene Wenger has used the club’s AGM as an opportunity to ask the fans to be more vociferous with his young side. The Frenchman calls for supporters not to resent their team when a match is lost or an opportunity slips away, instead cheering on the Gunners to an even louder extent.
Wenger said: ‘Last year we were very close to winning the Premier League and we ended four points behind Manchester United.
‘I can understand the fans were disappointed we did not win it, having led for so long. But today when we have such a young team I believe we need to be intelligent. Instead of resentment we have to be behind the team more than ever because this team will deliver.
‘The younger you are the more you need support. Sometimes the fans do not give the support this team deserves.’
Obviously, this must be frustrating for fans who shout until they are hoarse at every match, and are Wenger’s comments a reflection on the fact that too many people are going to watch the likes of Arsenal because it’s a tourist attraction rather than because they love the club? Is the manager’s comment a fair on, or do the team sometimes need to give supporters something to cheer about?
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