Mikel Arteta has called for an electric atmosphere as Arsenal face Southampton at the Emirates on Friday night.
Arsenal take on the struggling Saints in the Premier League tomorrow evening, as the Gunners look to bounce back from successive draws with Liverpool and West Ham.
Arsenal’s dropped points have seen their lead at the top reduced to four points, having played a game more than second-placed Manchester City.
City are in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend and Arsenal have a chance to extend their advantage, ahead of a huge showdown between the title challengers on April 26.
Arteta has called on the Arsenal fans to create an electric atmosphere against Southampton and ‘push’ his side to a vital win.
“My players are really looking forward to tomorrow – to get the game we want and the result we want, playing in front of our crowd again,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“There are seven games left. We have four to play at the Emirates, which is a big thing and we are looking forward to it.
“It’s a Friday night. It has to be electric. I want that crowd playing every single ball with our team. A full capacity, energy-wise, and everybody being very positive, pushing the team.”
Arteta discussed this week’s opponents and admits he has been impressed with Southampton despite their position at the bottom of the Premier League table. The Saints are four points from safety after six games without a win.
“Southampton have impressed me quite a lot. I analysed them in detail. How they lost the last game [2-0 at home to Crystal Palace] by the margin they did [I don’t know]. That margin wasn’t there. What Ruben and the coaches are doing is really good. The reward maybe hasn’t been there in terms of results in some games but they are a really good team.
“I know people who have worked with him in Valencia when he was there. I have followed his career. I know the type of coach he is and the way he thinks. He deserves where he is. He has done really well with the team and we will meet tomorrow.”
