'Proud, Magical, Happy': Arsenal Players Describe What It Is Like To Play At The Emirates In One Word

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta’s management skills were praised on social media after the Spaniard’s unique exercise practised by the team was revealed.

During a tour of the Emirates Stadium last weekend, a whiteboard behind one of the barriers in the North London Stadium was spotted. On top of the whiteboard, there was a question that read, “How does playing at the Emirates make you feel?” An outline of the football pitch and a one-word answer from each Arsenal player to the question along with their initials can also be seen on the whiteboard.

The picture of the whiteboard was shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The post read, “Spied on the Emirates Stadium Legends tour today. Please RT. This is amazing. Gooners need to see this.”

The whiteboard was filled with several warming words from the Arsenal players. Gunners stars including the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior used the word ‘excited’ to answer the question. There were also some innovative answers from players including English winger Reiss Nelson who wrote “Proud”, Spanish goalkeeper David Raya who used the word “Confident” and Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey who simply wrote “Good. Emile Smith Rowe wrote “Powerful”, Eddie Nketiah said “Happy” while Bukayo Saka used the word “special” and Leandro Trossard wrote “Magical”.

While this exercise might seem a little unique and exciting as well, there has not been any official statement explaining its intent or what it was meant to achieve. Regardless, the whiteboard surely acts as a heart-warming insight into the players’ opinions about playing at Arsenal’s home ground. The Gunners are currently in perfect form having won eight of their previous games on the trot in the Premier League. Much of their success can be credited to their home form with Arsenal losing just once this season at the Emirates. That defeat came against West Ham 0-2 in December last year.

Arsenal are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table with 64 points from 28 games, ahead of the likes of Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City.

They are next set to face Portuguese side FC Porto in their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie. Arsenal are currently trailing the tie 0-1 and will now be looking to make a comeback on their home turf in London.