Peter Beardsley was speaking ahead of the under-21 game between Newcastle and Arsenal.
Newcastle United hero Peter Beardsley has told the club’s official website he rates Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium as a better ground than the new Wembley.
Beardsley is currently Newcastle’s under-21 coach, and takes his team to The Emirates this evening for a clash with the Gunners, which could feature Jack Wilshere making his return from an injury suffered back in August.
The former England international striker views the match as a big opportunity, and is looking forward to the occasion.
He said: “Old Trafford’s amazing, and there’s a lot of great stadiums – ours is brilliant – but you just look at the whole Arsenal thing, and for me it’s amazing.
“I honestly think it’s better than Wembley. I can’t wait.”
England’s national stadium Wembley has a larger capacity than Arsenal’s Emirates, capable of seating 90,000 compared to 60,000, but this only makes the Gunners’ ground more compact.
After opening a decade ago, The Emirates facilities are better and more modern than most Premier League grounds, and for a young team to play at the stadium even if near empty, will be a big occasion.
Newcastle’s under-21 side lost their last game 5-3 to Swansea City on Monday, and will have to defend better if they are to remember their trip to Arsenal for the right reasons.
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