Redknapp: The empty seats were a turn off for Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp thinks the amount of empty seats at the Emirates Stadium during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Stoke on Sunday was to blame for the Gunners poor first-half display.
The attendance appeared well short of the stadium’s 60,000 capacity as Arsenal left it until the final 15 minutes to score all three goals.
Arsene Wenger’s side produced a lacklustre performance in the first half and Redknapp reckons the lack of support won’t have helped.
“It doesn’t turn you on,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“It’s not easy as a player, you’re coming out, you want to see a full stadium like we’re going to see here (at Stamford Bridge) this afternoon.
“But I think that’s probably what’s happened at Arsenal at the moment.
“Fans aren’t turning up thinking they’re going to see exciting football. I think the first 20 minutes summed it up.
“Then they started to get a grip and I think the players in midfield started to get hold of the game.
“(Mohamed) Elneny, Wilshere and Ramsey and then things started to happen after that.
“Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey were obviously heavily involved and Arsenal started to get hold of the ball.”
