Phil Jageilka makes Highbury vs Emirates comparison that every true Arsenal fan will agree with

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Arsenal have been at the Emirates Stadium for nearly 20 years, but it took a long time for the stadium to feel like home.

The Gunners have not won a Premier League title since they were at Highbury, but Mikel Arteta and his squad will hope to rectify that this season.

Arsenal moved from Highbury to the Emirates in 2006, but years of financial turmoil followed in order to fund the stadium, but Arsene Wenger kept Arsenal competitive in the top four on a shoestring budget.

In recent seasons, the atmosphere and matchday experience at the Emirates has improved, with Arteta helping rebuild the connection between the team and the fans after a few toxic years, and the Emirates now feels like home to Arsenal fans.

However, many older fans who were regulars at Highbury all prefer the iconic stadium despite being smaller in size, and former Everton captain Phil Jagielka agrees.

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

Phil Jagielka claims Highbury was better for Arsenal fans than the Emirates Stadium

Speaking to Arsenal legend David Seaman on the Seaman Says Podcast, Jagielka highlighted why Everton’s upcoming stadium move is important, but pointed out that whilst Arsenal’s move 18 years ago was beneficial commercially, Highbury was the better stadium for true fans.

“The whole point of the stadium to Everton is for a better financial state, their stadium is so old it’s got, I think it’s got like six executive boxes,” Jagielka stated.

“I’m not talking as a fan, I’m talking as a club who wants to run in money. Highbury for me was a better stadium for a football fan to go and watch Arsenal, but the Emirates is an amazing place and generates revenue.”

Arsenal fans are now adjusting to the Emirates

It took many years, but fans are now settled at the Emirates. Arsenal are competing at the top level on the pitch, and off it, the atmosphere has been at its best in the last three seasons.

The introduction of club anthem The Angel in 2022 was very popular, and Mikel Arteta has previously praised the impact it has had on the Arsenal team.

The next step for Arsenal to truly arrive at the Emirates would be to bring major silverware there, but there have been some big wins and iconic moments at the stadium.

Enough time has passed after a difficult few years of adjustment after leaving Highbury, although many still consider the old ground as the true home of Arsenal Football Club.