Arsene Wenger believes Emirates stadium support gives Arsenal the edge

Arsene Wenger believes home support is still a decisive factor

ARSENE WENGER believes playing in front of a home crowd at the Emirates stadium is the biggest advantage that Arsenal can have.

 

The Gunners have only won two of their four Premier League games at home this season and suffered a demoralising defeat to Olympiakos in their only Champions League outing on home turf.
They have however been in good form on the road, securing three wins that have helped them to second place in the Premier League table.

While Wenger admits that the difference between home and away games is not as great as it once was, he is adamant that that support from a home crowd can be a huge factor.
He told Arsenal's official website: "When you look at the history of all these games, most are decided by the first goal. A new scientific study within the Champions League last year found that, more than ever, the team who scores first wins.
"Why? Because it puts the team in a very strong position to be able to counter-attack, and that is the easiest way to attack without opening yourself up.

 

Arsenal fans celebrate after Mesut Ozil's strike helps them to a 3-0 win over Man Utd

“Having said that, I think on a longer distance the current numbers about away games will be reversed. I recently read a scientific study that covered all types of sport and what came out was that home teams are still favourites to win games, and not because of the motivational factor of the players but purely because of the support of the crowd.

“In a variety of sports, they came to the scientific conclusion that the biggest advantage of the team that plays at home is the support of the crowd. That’s not my impression; it’s the result of a scientific study.

“They eliminated all the other factors that could come in. It was a simple conclusion - it’s the home support that gives the advantage of the team. This home support can also turn against the home team if you don’t start well and if you are 1-0 down, but it also shows that influence is very strong.”