Former Arsenal star Nacho Monreal has revealed he believes the Emirates can be a major advantage for the Gunners as they currently sit top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's side are unbeaten at their home ground, winning four and drawing one game.
It has become a fortress, only allowing five goals all season, with Arteta making a clear point that he wants to "generate the best atmosphere in the world at the Emirates".
Now, speaking exclusively with GB News via BetMGM, Monreal explained why the stadium can have a strong impact on players on the pitch.
He told the People's Channel: "It's one of the best stadiums to play.
"When you are playing as a home player, home team, of course, it's something different because the crowd is loud. They are always supporting. They are amazing."
He added: "It was something special and it's in my memory."
Signed quietly from Málaga in January 2013, Monreal went on to carve out a distinguished six-and-a-half-year career in north London, making 251 appearances and establishing himself as one of the club’s most dependable defenders, in an era marked by turbulence.
Arsenal are unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium
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Looking back at some of his highlights while featuring under both Arsène Wenger, Unai Emery and other Arsenal managers, the former defender singled out his first goal and his Champions League and Premier League debut.
He added: "When I made my debut against Stoke City. It was something special. I remember that game. We won 1-0, Podolski scored. I've played many, many times in this stadium, so it's not easy to pick one moment, you know? There are a few."
Arsenal have introduced a series of noticeable matchday changes at the Emirates Stadium this season, all designed to strengthen the connection between players and supporters and to elevate the atmosphere on game days.
One of the most visible adjustments has been the removal of the tunnel cover.
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The Emirates Stadium holds over 60,000 fans
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The decision, made ahead of the current campaign, allows both Arsenal players and the visiting team to fully hear the roar from the stands before kick-off.
It has also created new opportunities for interaction, with fans in the area regularly seen high-fiving and greeting players as they walk to and from the pitch.
Explaining the reasoning behind the change, Arteta said: "We need to ignite the atmosphere so they can play every single ball with us because it makes such a difference. We want to play and win things — that’s a non-negotiable. You need to have a stadium that is able to create those moments."
The club have also introduced light shows for major fixtures, adding spectacle and participation to big European and Premier League nights.
Nacho Monreal and Mikel Arteta were teammates
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Before the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid, stewards circulated the stadium with QR codes that supporters could scan to synchronise their phones with the show.
In contrast, one change aimed at refocusing attention came at half-time against Atlético, when supporters noticed a new concourse message informing them that the club would no longer show second-half coverage on the screens.
The move reflects Arteta’s continued push for fans to remain fully engaged with the live action inside the stadium.
The Spaniard will be banking on these changes to give them the edge over rivals Tottenham when the sides meet on Sunday at 4.30pm at the Emirates for the north London Derby.
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