Press conference

'Not to have the fans.... it won't be the same'

Mikel Arteta is no stranger to the north London derby but Sunday's will still be a unique occasion for him.

Our head coach is taking charge of his first game against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend - and will do so without our fans' support in our rival's new stadium.

 

"It's going to be a shame because it's such a beautiful stadium as well the one they have built," Arteta said. "Not to have the fans there is not going to be the same so it's going to be a strange derby.



"[Derbies] are all different, it depends a lot whether you win or lose, that's what makes it special. Obviously we have had some really nice ones playing them at the Emirates and beating them so I have some really good memories on that.

 

"It's such a special occasion. Rivalry in football, when you take it in a positive way, and that brings energy, that brings passion, that brings a city together. It's such a beautiful thing. We are privileged to have big teams in the city and it's a shame we don't have the fans to enjoy it with us."

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