Few figures in English football boast a legacy as glittering as that of former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
The French tactician guided the Gunners to three Premier League titles, including the unforgettable ‘Invincibles’ season - a feat that is yet to be matched till date. Renowned for revolutionising the game with his progressive style and philosophy, Wenger went toe-to-toe with some of the greatest teams in the competition's history and emerged victorious in some of the league’s most iconic and hostile environments.
As such, when he speaks about the essence of a footballing ground, his words carry weight. He once singled out one particular Premier League venue which he believed was among the most "aggressive" he had ever been to, even more so than Liverpool's boisterous Anfield.
Wenger Hailed 'Great Atmosphere' at Everton's Goodison Park
The ex-manager thought it was more fierce than local rivals
Constructed in 1892, Goodison Park had been home to Everton for 133 years before the side switched to the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium after the 2024/25 season. Wenger paid several visits to the historic turf in his career, and it evidently left a lasting impression.
“Everton’s ground is a lot more aggressive than Liverpool’s. It’s one of the noisiest I’ve been to. It has a great atmosphere.”
That comparison is particularly striking given the global reputation of Anfield. Often hailed as one of the most iconic stadiums in football history, especially on European nights, it’s no slouch when it comes to creating noise. But in Wenger’s eyes, and those of many others, Goodison still held the edge, which is a testament to the dedicated fans at Everton.
The Toffees earned the overwhelming majority of their success at Goodison Park, including eight First Division titles, five FA Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
Everton statistics at Goodison Park
Matches
Wins
Goals scored
Goals conceded
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Mourinho, Ferguson Also Full of Praise for Goodison Park
Many believe the atmosphere trumps Anfield
Everton fans outside Goodison Park
Managerial icon Jose Mourinho toured the entire footballing world in his journeyman career, but Everton's rampant atmosphere ultimately stood out to him.
“I love to play Everton, especially at Goodison Park, where the atmosphere is magnificent.”
Record-breaking boss Sir Alex Ferguson shared a similar sentiment too, saying: "It is always a nightmare going there and it wouldn’t matter whether it was Dixie Dean playing for us. The atmosphere is fantastic."
For fans, a visit to Goodison Park is often an unforgettable experience. But when some of the most decorated managers of all time speak so glowingly about the ground, it’s a clear sign that the atmosphere both inspires the audience and has a concrete impact on the pitch too, and that was affirmed by former Premier League referee Howard Webb, who once admitted:
“Goodison Park is the hardest place to referee in the Premier League.”
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Statistics courtesy of evertonfc.com - Correct as of 05/06/2025