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Arteta reacts to fans back in stadiums after Europa League win

Arteta praises Arsenal fans
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Mikel Arteta took time out to drop some nice words for the Arsenal fans who were at the Emirates stadium after a long time out.

Mikel Arteta was pleased to see Arsenal welcome fans again back to the Emirates stadium.

For the first time in nine months, spectators were at a Premier League ground officially for a competitive fixture. The Emirates stadium had the honor of that feat and up to 2000 fans were present on Thursday night.

Mikel Arteta’s men put on a show for their fans with a convincing 4-1 victory against Rapid Vienna where they were dominant for almost all of the game.

Two goals in either half saw Arsenal continue their perfect record in the Europa League to make it five wins from five.

Speaking after the game, Arteta says he was pleased to see fans back at grounds and added that they made a difference in the game.

“Very special and I am delighted to have them back. I think they made a huge contribution,” he said to the club’s website.

“We had 2,000 but it looked like many more. They were very supportive of the team, very encouraging and the lads were saying it makes a huge difference to feel that support and energy. Thank you so much to them for coming and supporting the team.”

Following that win, a difficult north London derby awaits Arsenal on Sunday. Mikel Arteta knows that game won’t come easy but has called on his side to build on the momentum from their Europa League victory.

“Yes, we have been really consistent in this competition. I think the boys showed great energy, character, and aggression today,” he continued.

“Right from the beginning you could feel they were touched from the last defeat and everyone individually played a really good game.”

“In the final third we were really aggressive with the ball, we created many chances, scored four goals and probably should have scored more – and now let’s take that into Sunday, a very special game, we are all looking forward to it, and let’s do it all again.”

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