28 December 2023 , 10:07
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on the Emirates faithful to get the stadium "rocking" for the visit of London rivals West Ham on Thursday night.
The Gunners welcome David Moyes ' men to north London knowing there is plenty at stake, with a place at the top of the Premier League table on offer should they win. There is also the obvious narrative regarding Declan Rice, who left West Ham to join Arsenal as part of a £105million transfer in the summer.
Arteta will be well aware how important a victory would be for his side's title chances and has called on supporters to get behind the players as much as possible ahead of kick-off. Speaking ahead of Arsenal's last home game of 2023, the Gunners boss had a clear message for fans.
"First of all, thank-you for everything that you’ve done throughout the year and the way you’ve supported and inspired the team," he explained. "For tomorrow, please go to the stadium and get it rocking.
"Get behind the team, inspire them again and the team is going to try to do everything that we can. It’s going to be the last game of the year in front of you, so it’s a special moment, so let’s make it beautiful."
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Arteta's comments make for interesting reading given the recent remarks of his counterparts. Many would consider Manchester City and Liverpool Arsenal's two main title rivals, and their respective managers have also publicly called on fans to generate as much noise as possible ahead of recent fixtures.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted the Emirates needs to be "rocking" for the visit of West Ham (BBC)City boss Pep Guardiola has done it on a number of occasions, most notably earlier this year after a 4-2 home win over Tottenham. He told reporters: "Our fans were silent for 45 minutes. I want my fans back, I want my fans that are here - not my away fans, they are the best - but my fans here to support every corner and every action."
Klopp issued a similar sentiment as recently as last week when his Liverpool side beat West Ham 5-1 in the last eight of the Carabao Cup. The Reds boss was annoyed by the lack of appreciation for his players' efforts during the dominant display.
"I have to say - it's long ago that I said this - but I thought the first half a little bit, when the boys played really exceptional, I was not overly happy, I have to say, with the atmosphere behind me," Klopp claimed.
"I don't know. I don't ask people, what do we want? We changed a lot of things. We dominated West Ham like crazy. We missed chances. And I mean, if I would be in the stand I would be on my toes, 1,000 per cent.
"We need Anfield on Saturday. Without Anfield, I would say - after they (Arsenal) didn't play this week, they prepare for this game and anyone who knows a little bit about them, they will be prepared."
The Anfield crowd did respond in emphatic fashion, creating a hostile atmosphere for the visit of the Gunners last Saturday. Arteta will be hoping the Arsenal faithful respond similarly to his comments when West Ham roll into town on Thursday night.