2,000 fans were in attendance at the Emirates to cheer on Arsenal as they ended up 4-1 winners against Rapid Vienna in their penultimate Europa League group game.<\/p>\n
Mikel Arteta’s side were able to halt their temporary slide in the Premier League to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Europa League competition, which has come as a silver lining in the dark clouds that had been gathering over the Gunners.<\/p>\n
Arteta hailed the “special” return of the 2,000 Arsenal fans, adding that the players felt a huge difference as it has been nine months since fans have graced the stands of the Emirates, but after a recent lifting of England’s second national lockdown and return to Tier 2 restrictions in London, a small number of fans were allowed back into the stadium.<\/p>\n
The Gunners\u2019 recent run of poor form, especially in the Premier League, took a positive turn as the Arsenal fans were treated to a superb performance by their team, beating Rapid Vienna 4-1 and seeing the return of long-term injury absentees Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers.<\/p>\n
Arteta said: “It was very special and [I’m] delighted to have them [the fans] back. I think they made a huge contribution.<\/p>\n
“We had 2,000 but it looked like many more. They were really supportive with the team, they were very encouraging to the team and the lads were saying here it makes a huge difference to feel that encouragement and support from them.<\/p>\n
“Thank you so much to them for coming and supporting the team.<\/p>\n
“This sport without fans is completely different. The players lose a bit of purpose and emotion. We are here to entertain and make the fans enjoy. When they are able to transmit that it gets directly to the players.”<\/p>\n
Arsenal face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"