December 19 – Premier League attendance remains in a strong position despite the festive season being in full flow. Usually this stage would record a drop off in attendance due to money saving or family priorities, but match week 16’s average of 97.89% marks a strong score for the period.
Despite the goalless draw at the Emirates, Arsenal continue to impress with strong attendance, yet again scoring above the 99% margin. They have the strongest percentage capacity of any team in the top six this season, and by some distance.
Newcastle United tallied a strong 99.86% crowd for their thrashing of Leicester City, which left only 70 seats cold. The magpies have consistently scored highest in the rankings for attendance.
On the flip side, Manchester City fans returned in part for the Manchester derby at the weekend, but were left with the taste of defeat that has become increasingly familiar in weeks gone by. Beginning in November, the clubs’ streak of disappointing results was reflected in the stands, as the matchday attendance has dropped as low as 94% of capacity. Though Sunday’s clash marked a slight upturn, the result could dampen the scores for the next fixture at the Etihad versus Everton on Boxing Day.
Brighton also tallied lower than their usual standard – perhaps due to the festive season which often negatively impacts match-going numbers.
On a more positive note, Liverpool recorded the highest attendance of the week for their 2-2 thriller with Fulham, which saw the Reds reduced to ten men after just 18 minutes. Anfield played their part, though, with Slot’s side coming back from behind on two occasions – but they weren’t quite able to find the finishing touch to take all three points.
Match week 17 begins on Saturday afternoon as the limping Manchester City travel to face Aston Villa.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734623649labto1734623649ofdlr1734623649owedi1734623649sni@g1734623649niwe.1734623649yrrah1734623649