Emirates Stadium change vs Man United dubbed ‘sick’ by Arsenal fans

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There was a buzzing atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal prepared to take on Manchester United on Wednesday evening. 

Arsenal fans were all aware of the importance of this fixture, as the Gunners scarcely have any margin of error available to them as far as their Premier League title ambitions are concerned.

There is also a historic rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United, which always serves to elevate this fixture in the minds of supporters. 

Ultimately, Mikel Arteta’s side were able to get the job done and record a vital 2-0 victory over the Red Devils.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s top European nights at Highbury and Emirates Stadium

Arsenal song change at Emirates Stadium during Man United clash

Matchday atmospheres at the Emirates Stadium in general have improved hugely in recent years, as Arteta has made Arsenal genuine contenders for major honours again and has healed the rift that existed between the club and the fans. 

The adoption of North London Forever as a club song has been a happy consequence of this improvement. This tune is rapidly becoming an iconic aspect of game days at the Emirates Stadium, and is sung prior to each kick off.

However, fans noticed that the song arrived late on Wednesday night, and was not played over the ground’s PA system until the game was already underway. 

This change, though it was likely the result of a mistake, went down well with Arsenal fans on X.

One said: “I was gonna rage tweet complaining that they didn’t play it and then boom it comes on as the whistle blows for kickoff. I do prefer it when it starts to play when they are in the huddle tho.”

Another stated: “Was definitely accidental but worked well.”

One supporter added: “100%. Loved it.”

Another claimed: “Think it was a mistake too but so good.”

Lyrics and origin of North London Forever

The lyrics of North London Forever are an extract from a song called The Angel, by Louis Dunford.

Arsenal fans sing along with the following passage:

“North London forever

Whatever the weather, these streets are our own

And my heart will leave you, never

My blood will forever run through the stone.”

Dunford himself is a Londoner and a lifelong Arsenal fan. After Arteta discovered his work in 2022, he introduced it to the the Emirates Stadium matchday experience, and it was quickly adopted and taken to heart by Arsenal fans.