A group of Arsenal fans split opinion ahead of their Premier League return, as they turned up at the Emirates Stadium with flares and drums.
It's been a great start to the season for Arsenal and they closed the first part of the campaign, going into the break for the World Cup, five points clear of Manchester City.
Whilst a supercomputer was ready to write Mikel Arteta's team out of winning the title, they knew a win over West Ham on Monday would have moved them eight clear of the champions, before their game vs Leeds United on Wednesday.
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So it's no wonder that their fans have been in much higher spirits than in previous seasons, when dreaming of a top four finish was about as much as they could hope for.
Some fans arrived at the ground on Monday night, ahead of the game with the Hammers, with flairs and chating songs, whilst others smashed the drums, as you can see in the video below.
However, as is usually the case, fans online were split, with some really enjoying the 'different' style of fans than the Gunners usually get and others thinking the whole thing was pretty cringey.
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"Why can't we move like this more often?" asked one fan of the north Londoners.
"Is this arsenal or partizan Belgrade," another questioned.
A fan who'd been amongst it replied saying, "Just walked through that, proper hairs on back of your neck stuff!"
"Scenes," another simply added.
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And a fifth fan couldn't understand the criticism, replying, "I don’t get any of the criticism from the rest of the English football fans.
"English football grounds are painfully quiet compared to Europe and South America. If this video was from another country they’d admire it. Tribalism is a funny thing."
With another, presumably not from England, saying, "Refreshing to see how a bit of atmosphere before a game in the English game."
"This is super cringey? Why do you guys think you’re European ultras?" asked one fan in opposition of the scenes outside the ground.
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Another pointed out that suddenly being loud after years of silent failure at the Emirates was basically glory supporting, saying, "You only sing when you’re winning."
To the idea that it was a 'different Arsenal,' a West Ham fan said, "Cringey Instagram based moments... Same Arsenal."
Another replied with, "Only support their team when they’re good, embarrassing fanbase."
And another summed up the feelings of none Gunners adding, State of it. This lot think they’re some European ultras."
Those fans, joined in the stadium by Arsene Wenger for the first time since he left the club in 2018, wouldn't have been too happy with the first half.
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Despite their dominance, Arteta's side went into the break 1-0 down after Said Benrahma converted from the spot, after William Saliba's foul on Jarrod Bowen.
However, the good times continued with a second half comeback, as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah all grabbed second half goals.
The earlier atmosphere continued in the ground, with fans singing "There's only one Arsene Wenger," as the former manager waved to his adoring public.
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Featured Image Credit: TwitterTopics: Football, Arsenal, Premier League, West Ham United
