Mikel Arteta has focused on strengthening Arsenal’s relationship with their supporters since becoming the club’s head coach in December 2019. At that time, he was 37 and fully aware of the disconnect between the club and its fans.
Four days before his appointment, Arteta watched from the Manchester City bench as assistant manager when City defeated Freddie Ljungberg’s Arsenal 3-0. The half-empty stadium left a lasting impression on him. “That image, that feeling of the stadium with 50 percent empty really got into me,” he recalled before Arsenal’s final home game of the season against Burnley.
Arteta believed there could be no project without the support of fans. The situation worsened when the Covid pandemic hit, leaving stadiums completely empty. This made his task even more challenging. “We had to rebuild everything,” he remarked. Once the difficulties were addressed, he appreciated watching the transformation and joy among supporters.
“When it’s harder at the beginning, it’s beautiful to see the transformation and joy on the people’s faces,” Arteta said, reflecting on rebuilding the club’s connection with fans.
Throughout this season, the journey has involved tension and expectation. Arsenal’s three consecutive second-place finishes intensified hope and anxiety. Fans felt this especially during tight matches. At the start of the year, Arsenal led the Premier League in one-goal leads going into the last 15 minutes. Wins over Brentford and Wolves were tense, despite securing victory.
After a close 2-1 match against Chelsea in March, Jurrien Timber commented on the palpable anxiety, noting, “You feel it, especially at the end. We stopped playing a bit, which was unnecessary.” He emphasized the importance of addressing this tension.
The recent home win over Fulham marked a turning point. The roar at halftime was unforgettable. This was mirrored when fans greeted the team at the Emirates before their Champions League semi-final win against Atletico Madrid. Arteta credited the supporters as the “12th man” and emphasized their invaluable impact.
As the Premier League season progressed, stadiums reopened, allowing fans to return. Arsenal’s turnaround began with a win over Norwich City after a difficult start. Arteta reflected on the unwavering support from fans, stating, “Incredible fans tried to inspire the team and show they were ready to suffer and support.” This emotional connection strengthened with improved performances and new signings.
This renewed engagement included initiatives like tifos and welcoming the team coach. Arteta also spoke directly to fans, encouraging them to embrace key matches. His communication included reminders of match timings and rallying messages to engage fans at home games.
During tense periods this season, Arteta acknowledged the inevitable anxiety due to the club’s long wait for success. Now, he sees a shift toward optimism as Arsenal leads the title race with two matches to go. This momentous season concludes with the Emirates hosting the team’s last home game before potential triumphs in the Premier League and Champions League.