Why Mikel Arteta asked for tunnel to be removed at The Emirates

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has asked for the tunnel cover at The Emirates to be removed, ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Mikel Arteta has requested the removal of the tunnel cover at The Emirates Stadium, as he believes it muffles the roar of the crowd and makes the venue less intimidating for visiting teams. According to @AFCFixtureNews, the Spanish manager believes the cover dampens the noise levels that could provide Arsenal with a crucial psychological advantage during home matches.

The decision reflects Arteta’s meticulous attention to detail in creating every possible advantage for his team. The tunnel cover, whilst serving a practical purpose, has been identified as an obstacle to maximising the atmospheric impact that the Emirates faithful can generate. By removing this barrier, the full force of the crowd’s support should reach opposition players as they emerge from the changing rooms.

This latest modification represents just one of numerous changes Arteta has implemented since his appointment in December 2019. The Spanish manager has transformed Arsenal’s culture both on and off the pitch, with former teammate Cesc Fabregas revealing that 95 per cent of changes at Sobha Realty Training Centre were Arteta’s initiatives.

These include installing a giant five-metre-tall television screen beside the pitches to show video clips during training sessions, which has particularly helped with set-piece preparation. The boss has also overseen extensive renovations including positive messaging throughout the facility and an empty Premier League trophy display in the entrance hall to motivate players.

Arteta has also revolutionised the dressing room environment, introducing unique motivational techniques including asking players to hold hands to create “energy” and using Arsenal banners and club crests in away changing rooms to help players feel at home. The manager even brought a chocolate Labrador named ‘Win’ to the training ground to enhance team spirit and provide stress relief for players and staff.

Emirates Stadium has undergone significant improvements to its atmosphere since Arteta’s arrival. The emergence of Louis Dunford’s The Angel (North London Forever) being sung by the supporters while the players are in the pre-match huddle was another of the boss’ ideas,

After opening their Premier League campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the players will play their first competitive game with the tunnel change as they host newly promoted Leeds United the following weekend.