Nicolas Pepe is confident that the return of fans at full capacity could be a difference-maker for Arsenal ahead of their clash against Chelsea.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the 26-year-old winger believes that the return of fans could be key to the Gunners improving on last campaign’s form. Arsenal finished 8th in back-to-back Premier League seasons.
And this year will see the north London side play no European football whatsoever for the first time in 26 years.
Finishing in the top-seven is a must for Mikel Arteta’s side this campaign. However, Arsenal lost their opening game of the season to Brentford ahead of today’s match against Chelsea.
Arsenal face Chelsea later this afternoon in what should be a packed Emirates Stadium. The return of fans could play a role in the Gunners returning to top form. And Pepe believes the supporters can motivate the team.
The Ivorian attacker said: “Frankly, the difference with an empty stadium is that the match feels a bit dead. You can hear each other on the pitch but it’s the fans that really bring that 12th man. That’s what everyone misses.”
With the Emirates not being at full capacity for almost 18 months, it will be a big moment for the players this afternoon when they take on Chelsea.
And the Arsenal squad will be hoping supporters will be able to push them to a good result against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side.
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