Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal supporters to create a boisterous atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium when his side take on West Ham on Thursday.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Arsenal gearing up for London derbyA win will see Gunners go top of Premier LeagueArteta wants fans to get stadium 'rocking'WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners are looking to get back on top of the Premier League with a win against their London rivals West Ham. The north London team will then take on Fulham on December 31 to round off 2023 and Arteta is demanding the fans get behind the team.
Advertisement(C)GettyImagesWHAT ARTETA SAID
Arteta was asked if he has a message for the club's fans and replied: "First of all, thank you for everything that you’ve done throughout the year and the way you’ve supported and inspired the team. 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."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal are two points behind Liverpool at the top of the English top-flight after the Reds beat Burnley on Boxing Day. Arteta's team have a game in hand and will hope to have leapfrogged Jurgen Klopp's team by the end of the year.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
After the matches against West Ham and Fulham, Arteta's team will consider bringing in new players in the January window, with the coach admitting: "We have certain targets and ideas if things happen… We will be prepared and try to make the right calls."
