Mikel Arteta has reportedly requested a slight but permanent alteration to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new campaign. The Spaniard is well known for his attention to detail and using small margins to give his side a competitive advantage. From having a dog called ‘Win’ at the training ground to his unorthodox training methods and team talks, his obsession with fine details has always been on full display.
Fans will surely remember the criticism he received for conducting a training session with Liverpool’s ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ playing loudly from speakers in the background. Nevertheless, his intent has never been in doubt as he continually tries to put the squad in the best possible position to win.
Player tunnel change at the Emirates
Arteta’s latest move has been to request the permanent removal of the pull-out cover from the players’ tunnel at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season. The cover was removed for the last two friendlies at our home ground, and Arsenal Fixture News on X revealed that it is now gone for good.
The Arsenal boss reportedly asked for its removal because it muffled the roar of the crowd, creating a less intimidating atmosphere for opposing players. Arsenal cruised to a commanding win over Athletic Club in their last game at the Emirates, but it remains to be seen whether the change had or will have the desired effect. The Gunners did lose to Villarreal before that, so the benefits are still up for debate.
Building momentum before the opener
Arsenal will kick off their Premier League campaign in six days’ time, with a daunting trip to Old Trafford. The Gunners head into the clash full of belief after an assertive display against Athletic Club, where Viktor Gyökeres opened his goalscoring account for the club.
Will this tunnel tweak contribute to a more intimidating Emirates atmosphere this season?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments Gooners.
Benjamin Kenneth
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Whatever next?
How about a re working of the players’ entrance onto the pitch like it was at Highbury. You could see Tony Adams ready to lead out the team. The red tunnel looks a cr@ppy afterthought anyway
For each game, the effects of changes will depend on the personalities of the individual players on both teams and what they’re used to. Go with what you want as your best set of circumstances; visual, auditory or otherwise, and keep them the same going forward. That’s what makes it your comfortable home and not theirs.
I would change the name of the dog, a silly idea in the
beginning with no benefits.. tensions are mounting for
the game on sunday, hope players are motivated, we
have few players that are not familiar with the intensity
of the PL.
Now I’ve seen and heard it all. Remove the tunnel and it will frighten the life out of our rivals on that day.
Oh my word, why not have Win the dog growling at the opposition as they come out of their dressing room. 🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️
I think that’s a terrific idea Derek
Unfortunately, Win isn’t a Rottweiler. Labradors are more likely to offer up a waggy tale or stealyour steak dinner off the table
Don’t be so sure SueP,
Regards Labradors and their waggy tails. My brother had one, and while it was very friendly most of the time.
When it was out chasing that ball, wo betide anybody or another dog who tried to touch the ball. With other dogs, it would charge said dog from the side in a low stance, and launch said dog into the air.
That was the first dog I ever see fly. 😂🤣👍
Well, if anyone really thinks that the removal of the tunnel cover has a psychological effect it’s probably time for them to sit down in a darkened room and contemplate other things in life.
The most effective “tool” in English football was probably the “This is Anfield” sign above the end of the tunnel leading onto the Anfield pitch. It was installed at the direction of the great Bill Shankly and it worked for many years.
I dread to think what Shanks would have thought about this latest Arsenal idea. I suspect he would have said something along the lines of “You can’t muffle the Anfield roar – you’ll know where you are.”
Bertie,
Your not wrong. Didn’t Shankly once say, that football isn’t life or death. It’s far more important than that. 😂👍
Ear plugs?
So we won against Athletico because we took down a plastic cover? What happens when its raining? And why was the cover there in the first place?
Come on, that’s just nitpicking. Look at the “bigger picture”.😂
I just did😂
“What happens when it’s raining?”
The players will get wet, just like they will while playing.
Yes, I have to be honest, it doesn’t come close to, playing “you’ll never walk alone”
We’ve been so close to a title that at this point it’s not just about big changes but fine margins. We’ve been as close as two points. We should be looking to add any advantage to our Arsenal (no pun intended). If the atmosphere can be the difference between a draw and a win then it’s worth it.
If removing the cover of the tunnel could give us a psychological edge then so be it. Maybe it won’t work but it doesn’t really hurt anyone to remove it.
In a different example but with similar intention,there are Sports people world wide who have their rituals they perform before every that don’t really hurt anyone but give them belief.Some pray, some wear the same gear for every game,some kiss their spouse, some eat a specific food,some meditate etc.
Whatever it is, it plays a part because football is not just a physical/technical/tactical game. It is also mental, emotional,psychological and even spiritual for some.
Derbies are a good example of how emotions affect games.Lots of players get carded in these games.In derby games,sometimes form,tactics,player quality go out the window. Emotions run high,which could be the difference between finishing with 10 or 11 men and that impacts the final result as we saw in our team last season.
I think we should get the marching band back , have them before the game and at half time, that will frighten the opposition !!
Ah, the Good Old Days. I remember seeing the band – the police band – with their “Singing Policeman” at Highbury.