IT wasn’t long ago that Arsenal were the butt of every joke from opposition fans about a lack of atmosphere.
Back in the Invincible era, we would even come up with the amusing response “we only sing when we’re losing”.
The atmosphere at Arsenal has been underwhelming for many years and not just since the 2006 move to the Emirates.
But despite the loss of the terraces, the increased prices at Arsenal forcing out an element of the traditional fanbase, home games are now absolutely buzzing.
For me, this all comes down to one word – BELIEF.
There has always been fine dynamic or balance between what happens in the crowd and what occurs on the pitch.
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Should we as fans be lifting the team when things are not going well on the pitch?
Probably the answer should be yes, but it has not always been the case at the Emirates.
Conversely, elements of the support might suggest it is players who need to perform, entertain and therefore inspire us to find our collective voice.
Both views or arguments have become an irrelevance in the recent era under Mikel Arteta.
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I cannot praise the Spaniard enough for realising the importance of a unity between everyone associated with the club, but most particularly the team and the fans in the ground.
The manager understands that this collectiveness and bond is what gives the club a feel-good factor and drives performances on the pitch.
Equally, he knows that much of what drives that is the level of commitment, passion, and quality on the pitch and boy has he given us that.
The superb ‘North London Forever’, pre-match, the wonderful Ashburton Army and the club’s moves to accommodate and encourage their initiative are absolutely part of this.
But ultimately the vastly improved atmosphere, singing and noise is down to belief.
We believe in the team and the team believe in the fans.
In every post-match interview, the players and the manager acknowledge the magnificent support, which serves to enhance what is already impressive.
The fact that the players accept our role and believe we have their backs will be critical as we push for honours between now and May.
But we have already seen it in action in the past few weeks.
In the not-so-distant past, Wenger and Emery’s Arsenal going behind would expose the ‘soft under-belly’ not only of the team but also the crowd.
On Boxing Day against West Ham and last weekend at home to Man Utd, falling a goal behind, simply signalled an instant cranking up of the volume to encourage our boys.
This is down to our belief – we simply believe and trust this team to respond, so we are desperate to play our role in that response.
We have a belief in the players, and they have a belief in us.
The relationship in nature would be called symbiotic.
To trust a dictionary definition, a relationship where organisms, people or things existing together in a way that benefits them all.
So, thank you Arsenal for all your initiatives that give the fans a voice, in the way we support, in the design of the new stadium exterior and for backing us to back this team.
Mostly of all thank you Mikel for understanding that only when the relationship between everyone associated with Arsenal FC is symbiotic can we move forward to the success we all crave.
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We believe in you, and the team you have created, and we appreciate you and your players believe in us.
Together with belief, we are stronger.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
