[ad_1]
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the returning fans for making a “huge difference” to their team as they achieved a Europa League victory over Rapid Vienna.
Two thousand fans attended Emirates Stadium for the first time in nine months and witnessed the Gunners win 4-1.
With qualification for the knockout stages secured, this delightful evening was inspired by an excellent first match by Alexandre Lacazette in just 10 minutes.
But the outcome played a minor role after the fans’ return to top-notch soccer with fans watching while socially estranged – the first fans to see a game here since March.
Lacazette opened the scoring with a long-distance shot before Pablo Mari, returning to the team for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury in June, led a second with academy graduates Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe adding the shine. on both sides of Kohya. Kitagawa’s comfort.
Arsenal have lost their last three Premier League home games but never seemed to be in danger here, and Arteta reserves special praise for those in the stands.
“It was very special,” he said.
‘I’m delighted to have them back, they made a great contribution that we had in 2000, but they seemed like many more.
“They were very supportive and encouraging to the team, it makes a huge difference. Many thanks to them for coming and supporting the team.
“I think the guys showed great energy, character and aggression today from the beginning; they all played a very good game individually.”
The problem now for Arsenal is that their next league game is a North London derby at Tottenham, and Arteta admits that clubs that may have fans present will have an advantage.
Asked if he will give the teams an advantage, the Spaniard replied: ‘Probably because this sport without fans is completely different.
‘Everything is flatter, the players lose a bit of purpose and emotion. It is something you want to share.
‘At the end of the day, we are here to entertain, we are here to make fans enjoy themselves.
“They have a great passion for our football club and when they are able to convey that, it goes directly to the players. For me, having them here at home or abroad is always different thanks to them. ‘
Lacazette had been in a sterile run in front of goal and was quick to celebrate in front of the fans as he scored his impressive goal to break the deadlock.
“It was incredible,” he told BT Sport.
“We were so happy to see the fans today that they really helped us during the game, even in bad times they pushed us to play well, obviously we played well, it was good football.
“We had two players who came back from injury (Mari and Calum Chambers), so we are very happy for them, so it was a good night.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
[ad_2]
