Arsenal FC: 5 Ways To Improve the Emirates Atmosphere

Recent comments by Samir Nasri regarding the level of crowd passion at the Emirates have not gone down well with Arsenal fans.

Despite the bad taste shown by Nasri in making such comments, one cannot deny that the atmosphere at the Grove is not the best in the league.

This is a problem that plagues the big clubs in England, thanks to the 'prawn sandwich' brigade and an increase in the number of families that visit the games.

Arsenal have noted this problem and have embarked on the "Arsenalisation" of the new stadium. While some measures, like bringing back the Highbury clock, are good, much more needs to be done to provide the first team with the kind of '12th man' it needs.

1. Have a Singing Section

Ideally, fans would like to see a terrace section like the one in the MLS. Such sections manage to raise the decibel level even if the stadium is not full.

In New York Red Bulls for example, there is a standing section where you are required to sing along with the crowd.

The tickets for this section are offered at a discounted price, thus ensuring a concentrated source of vocal home support.

Additional steps, like allowing flares and horns in such section(s), can be taken. Such section(s) can be placed at strategic places like corners and just behind the goalpost to intimidate the opposition effectively.

2. A Dedicated Away Fans Section

The only positive for Arsenal from the 2-8 defeat at Old Trafford was the extra-ordinary support shown by the away fans.

The Gooners at Old Trafford defiantly kept singing throughout the debacle and long after the game ended, putting the OT Prawn Sandwich brigade to shame.

At the Emirates, this situation is often reversed and the home support is outsung by the small away section.

As an alternative to (or in combination with) the singing sections, one can have dedicated sections for the regular away fans.

3. Close the Gaps in the Stadium

The Emirates Stadium is constructed keeping in mind the quality of the pitch.

The shape of the roof allows maximum sunlight to fall on the grass and the gaps behind the TV screens allow the passage of air.

While those air gaps help maintain the best pitch in the Premier League, it also robs the stadium of a lot of noise.

On quiet match days, one can hear the train running just outside the stadium. No doubt, a lot of noise generated by the crowd escapes through these gaps.

Arsenal could look into the possibility of covering up these gaps just for the matches with a material that reflects sound waves efficiently.

A better and a more permanent alternative would be to add seats in those sections.

4. Freeze/Reduce Ticket Prices

Arsenal fans have to buy the most expensive tickets in world football. With every price rise, Arsenal lose out on passionate middle class fans who are replaced by the silent elites.

Apart from the obvious ethical considerations of charging exorbitant fees for less than adequate performances, the ticket prices also contribute towards a passionless Emirates full of elite snobs who consider singing and chanting to be beneath their dignity.

Arsenal needs to have a look at the ticket prices seriously, rather than indulge in cosmetic changes that they have dubbed "Arsenalisation".

5. Win!

The last time there was an electric atmosphere at the Emirates was the home game against Barcelona. 

It shows that the crowd responds to great performances, and on such days, Arsenal home fans have shown themselves to be as vocal as any in England.

Unfortunately, such performances from Arsenal have become rare over the last few seasons. The Emirates is no longer a fortress, and this season, even the usual fluid passing game of Arsenal has deserted them.

After the departure of Fabregas, Arsenal fans do not have quality names to chant either. A marquee signing could have helped here, but as usual—the Board/Wenger (or whoever is in charge) disappointed.

One thing is for sure—if Arsenal wants a more passionate crowd, plastic flags and free scarfs are not going to do it.