Arteta's Message To Arsenal Fans Ahead Of Spurs Derby

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta has praised the Arsenal fans who he said have given special treatment in the last few weeks ahead of the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur for the Premier League match week six at the Emirates on Sunday, September 26.

Arsenal started the season with a limp and lost in a row in the first three games before the international break. That fate can slowly be changed by the Gunners, who have now won their last two matches.

"What they have done in the last few weeks has been special, they really want the best for this club and it shows they are more than just fans," Arteta was quoted as saying on Arsenal's official website, Saturday, September 25.

"A fan and a supporter behave differently and what we experienced in the last two games was unique and it all has to do with the history of this team.

"It all comes from people who respect and want to promote the values that have been instilled in this club since my predecessors," he added.

Arteta said he was very flattered by the willingness of the fans to understand the difficult situation facing the team without ever abandoning their support.

He is therefore looking forward to his first London derby as Arsenal coach in front of a occupied Emirates stand, having been without spectators in previous editions due to restrictions related to the pandemic.

"I can't wait to experience that," he said.

"Even now, after so long without their presence in the stadium, I have had London derbies but never without the support of the fans," Arteta added.

Arsenal currently sits in 13th position in the standings with a collection of six points.