From Library to Loud: Arteta’s Quest to Turn Arsenal’s Emirates into a Fortress

Arsenal are enjoying a strong start to the season, sitting at the top of the Premier League after nine fixtures, four points clear of their nearest challengers, as they chase ending a run of three straight runners-up finishes and lifting the title for the first time since 2004.

But despite this on-field dominance, questions linger about the atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium, with some fans feeling the excitement on the pitch is not matched by the noise in the stands.

Rival supporters have long complained about the lack of sound in the Emirates, with chants even dubbing the home of Arsenal a "library" at times.

This issue is not unique to Arsenal; other members of the big six also face critiques about home atmospheres, as fans take to social media to vent.

Many argue that high expectations contribute to the muted atmosphere, especially since Arsenal has not won the league since 2004 and last major trophy was the FA Cup in 2020.

This season, Arsenal are also navigating the Carabao Cup Fourth Round against Brighton & Hove Albion, a fixture that has sparked talk of atmosphere as well as results.

Arteta and the fans

Since taking charge, the Spanish coach Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stressed the importance of the fans in making a difference.

He has said he wants "the Emirates to be the best atmosphere in the world" and often addresses supporters in pre-match press conferences.

He has asked fans to arrive early and stand behind the team from the first minute, even paying attention to body language and interaction inside the stands.

Before the latest match against Crystal Palace, he said, "We want the fans to play with us and to be in their seats with energy and enthusiasm."

In an effort to raise engagement, Arsenal this season removed the covering over the players’ tunnel leading to the pitch, so players can hear the crowd before kickoff and fans can interact more directly with those entering the field.

The move sparked notable reaction, with many photos showing players greeting and applauding the supporters before stepping onto the pitch.

Arteta commented, "We need to light the atmosphere so that every ball is played with energy. We want to play and win trophies, and that is non-negotiable. Our stadium must be capable of creating those moments."

Another innovation involved the way goals are announced: the in-house presenter states the scorer’s name, then invites the crowd to chant the second name aloud in unison, repeating it three times.

broadcaster Roman Kemp revealed on a podcast that he met Arteta on a plane; Arteta reportedly asked about the approach and explained it was his idea to add small touches that boost competitiveness and strengthen ties with the fans.

There have also been lighting showcases before big matches, with QR codes carried through the stands for fans to scan and join in the light display.

Additionally, the club paused the second-half in-match entertainment on corridor screens to keep fans in their seats and focused on the action.

A post on X from a fan during the Atletico Madrid match showed a club note that broadcasts would not continue after halftime, reinforcing the push to watch from the stands.

All of these steps are part of a broader plan across the club to improve the matchday experience and make the Emirates a living, breathing arena that can spur the team toward titles.

Arsenal, under Arteta, is not only refining on-field performance but also building a new culture off the pitch, recognizing that passionate crowds are a fundamental part of success and that every detail—from entry to goal announcements—can influence results.

Punchline 1: If Arteta can turn the Emirates into a fortress, maybe away teams will need an extra GPS to find the goal.

Punchline 2: The trophy cabinet may require a bigger shelf, but hey, at least the library will finally get a charging station for all those chants.