Arteta Expecting Special Atmosphere Ahead Of Semi-Final Clash

By The Editor
on 6th January 2025

Arteta wants to maximise home advantage…

Mikel Arteta is expecting a raucous atmosphere when Arsenal welcome Newcastle United for the first leg of our Carabao Cup semi-final as we look to reach our first final in almost five years.

At the halfway point of the campaign, this has been a season of overcoming many obstacles while attempting to remain competitive and that’s what we’ve done. We’re still in contention for all four competitions.

Arteta is navigating a selection crisis at the club with a growing injury list compounded by a virus ravaging the camp. It’s difficult to determine who’s struggling with illness given how many underperformed against Brighton.

The mood can be lifted swiftly with a dominant win against Newcastle United who are missing key players with Fabian Schär and Bruni Guimaraes suspended.

With a tough trip to St James’s Park beckoning next month, Arteta has rallied the Emirates faithful to make home advantage count.

“We’re very excited to play the game in front of our crowd,” the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference.

“A semi-final, an opportunity to earn the right to be in a final and that starts tomorrow with two legs.

“Obviously they’re going to be two long games against a very competitive team, we know that, but very excited and we need a big, big atmosphere in our stadium.

“I admire the Emirates the most – 100%,” Arteta added when asked about the role the atmosphere could play.

“The way we can feel at the Emirates with our people is incredible and I’m very positive that tomorrow we’re going to create a big one against really good opposition in the semi-final of the cup that we want to win, so let’s go for it.”

Fans have been longing for the return of the atmosphere we witnessed during the 2022/23 season and while many believe new ticketing arrangements is the reason behind the dip in the noise at home, the answer is likely more nuanced.

At the beginning of the 22/23 season, there was no internal expectation for the team to challenge for the title with a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League the goal.

Once we found ourselves in a race for the ultimate prize, fans realised we were the underdogs and enjoyed the journey. That feeling has evaporated. The home fans are expectant now and the onus is on the players to lift the crowd.