There has been a change in the landscape of North London over the last few years. A togetherness and buzz run rife through the streets of N5 – the like of which hasn’t been
seen for many years. From Reiss Nelson’s last gasp winner against Bournemouth that shook the stands, to a ferociously electric atmosphere when Real Madrid were hosted last season, the Emirates Stadium has become the centrepiece to some unforgettable moments.
**A growing fortress**
And yet, this wasn’t always the case. The stadium once known for its lack of atmosphere became an unfortunate symbol of steady decline during Arsenal’s barren run in the latter part of the 00s leading into the 2010s. Undoubtedly, a beautifully constructed structure that reflected Arsenal’s stature but ultimately felt detached during a period of stagnation for the club. But in recent years this has begun to change. A shift can be traced back to the start of the 2022/23 season. Arsenal, led by the second youngest squad in the league at the time, sparked an unexpected title challenge with a fast-paced, attacking brand of football that reignited the fanbase. The technical level, intensity, and togetherness on display marked a clear transition from the previous few years – this was lightning in a bottle that reconnected the club with the fans.
That period has seen the Emirates Stadium steadily transform into a growing fortress. The connection between the players, fans, and staff, grew stronger with each passing matchday to build a unified strength. Vocal home support has become a defining feature often giving Arsenal an edge in games decided by fine margins.
**Last season’s home form**
While there was a slight dip in home form last season – partially due to an untimely injury crisis and lack of attacking depth – Arsenal’s broader trajectory at the Emirates remains impressive. Over the last three seasons, the club ranks third among the traditional Big 6 in home form, only slightly behind Manchester City and Liverpool. The gap between the three clubs home record is marginal enough that a swing of one or two results could be enough to sit top of the table come the end of the season. Managing these fine margins can be why “control” has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s side. The team’s ability to dominate possession is matched by the proactive energy in the stands. Nowhere was this more evident last season than in the emphatic 5-1 win against Manchester City – a performance where the crowd acted as an active force. A team of City’s quality and experience are rarely overwhelmed in any game but that is exactly what happened when they travelled to the Emirates back in February. The passion and energy emitted from the crowd was a spark that the players fed off that day. It was a humbling defeat for City, and a statement to everyone in the league that
Arsenal’s home ground is now a place capable of dismantling even the best of sides.
**From silence to support**
The Emirates has evolved into a place of backing rather than burden. It offers Arsenal a safe space – an environment where players can express themselves without the anxiety and disillusionment that would once creep in. A roar of support now echoes around the stadium even after an opposition goal. It is subtleties of support such as this that can swing momentum back in your favour utilising the energy of the crowd. Mikel Arteta’s side thrives in this type of environment. Whether it be a rallying cry from the manager on the sidelines, or a motivating gesture from the captain, Martin Odegaard, the crowd are right there with them offering their backing from the first whistle to the last. This emotional safe space offers a greater tactical flexibility with visiting teams often trying to limit Arsenal’s gameplan. At home, Arsenal utilise a higher press, take more
risks in possession, and play with a level of freedom often reigned in during tough away fixtures.
It’s not just about making noise – it’s about belief. The Emirates has become a place where players feel empowered, and the fans have given their total backing. Together,
they’ve turned silence into support, and support into strength.
**The fine margins of a title race**
The Premier League is often viewed as the most competitive and hard-fought league in world football. Often decided by the finer margins, home form can be the difference between finishing second and being crowned champions. With an intense schedule, away form can fluctuate for any team, but title winning teams rely on their home crowd as a source of constant stability and momentum. Arsenal are all too familiar with this in recent seasons. Costly slip-ups at the Emirates, such as the frustrating 3-3 draw against Southampton and the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, proved decisive in tight title races. These are the moments that become synonymous with failure. But today’s Emirates is different. The crowd, once labelled as silent and reactive, now plays an active role in driving the team forward. Groups such as the Ashburton Army have found their own niche in enhancing matchday experience and fuelling a growing sense of belief both in the stands and on the pitch. The atmosphere isn’t just louder –
it’s influential.
**Making it happen – together**
For Arsenal to take that final step and become Premier League champions, it must begin at the Emirates. Home form isn’t a bonus – it’s the baseline. The growing belief and togetherness at the club could be one of the final pieces of this puzzle that culminates in major success. The transformation of the Emirates from a quiet, corporate feeling stadium into a dynamic home of support and energy has been at the very heart of Arsenal’s recent resurgence. Last season’s Champions League mantra – “Make it happen” – was more than just a slogan. It was a rallying cry for everyone connected with the club to get behind the team and get over the line by any means necessary. This could finally be the home that Arsenal have been searching for since making the
move from Highbury. Because if titles are to be won, they’ll be built here, at the Emirates.