Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal FC to embrace 'electric' St James' Park atmosphere

The Gunners have lost all three of their last visits to St. James’ Park, failing to score a goal in that time, too.

Arteta is conscious of the impact that the atmosphere can have, but has challenged his players to rise to the occasion.

“I think when you as a player, as a fan, as a coach, you want to live in this atmosphere, they play every single ball with you, it’s electric.

“There is so much support up there and it’s one team, one city, I think that makes it different as well.

“And to play as an opposition as well is such a challenge and an opportunity at the same time, so a great atmosphere to play in.”

“I think there are two ways to look at that game with a tactical view, it’s on mute or putting the volume up,” said Arteta.

“And I decided to put the volume up just to understand, because in every decision made there is an emotional contribution and certainly when you have to play your game, and the way you want to play there, you have to be able to do it in that atmosphere and I think that’s beautiful.

“I always praise the work that Eddie and the coaching staff have done there and the way they have managed to create such an atmosphere, especially at home as well and a very clear identity of playing football and they make it really difficult.

“We know the test, we know that we’re going to have to be much more efficient than we’ve been lately when we played up there to win the game, and we’re going to work on that in the next two days.”

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