'They are our 12th man' - Mikel Arteta calls on Emirates crowd to lift Arsenal vs Burnley

'They are our 12th man' - Mikel Arteta calls on Emirates crowd to lift Arsenal vs Burnley

Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal supporters as the club's "magic player" as the Gunners prepare for their final home game of the season against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

Arsenal go into the match aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League table, with pressure still on as Manchester City travel to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Arteta stressed the importance of the home crowd and said the atmosphere created by supporters can transform his team's performance.

"They are our 12th man, and a magic player, I would say," he said. "When the stadium provides that level of energy, passion and optimism, living every action with the team, the value of that is infinite.

"You cannot measure it, and the team becomes different. It's as simple as that."

The Arsenal boss also referenced the side's recent 1-0 win over West Ham United, saying the squad is in a strong and focused place heading into the final stretch of the season.

"The team is really present, emotionally in a really good state," he added. "We have most players available now. Everybody is so enthusiastic and positive about how we can finish the season."

Arteta confirmed the squad remains united despite minor setbacks, with Ben White picking up an injury in the previous match, but insisted the focus is fully on the Burnley fixture.

"We focus on what is in our hands," he said. "That is preparing in the best possible way to beat Burnley."

Burnley arrive in north London looking to frustrate the league leaders, but Arsenal will be hoping their home crowd can once again provide the extra edge in a crucial moment of the title race.

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