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Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to make Emirates Stadium a ‘fortress’ again ahead of Wolves clash

<p>Mikel Arteta is eager for Arsenal to turn around their fortunes at Emirates Stadium</p> (Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta is eager for Arsenal to turn around their fortunes at Emirates Stadium

(Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to turn Emirates Stadium into a fortress again.

The Gunners have struggled at home this season, losing their last two Premier League games in N7 to Leicester City and Aston Villa.

Arsenal also failed to score in those matches and Arteta is keen for his side to turn things around when they welcome Wolves on Sunday.

“After the disappointing result that we had at home, well the last two we had at home, we have to put that right,” he said.

“We have to make the Emirates a fortress. It’s a completely different feeling playing at home with or without fans, it’s not the same, but it’s what we have at the moment and we need a win on Sunday for sure.”

It has been a different story for Arsenal in the Europa League, where they have won all four of their games so far.

Thursday night saw them secure the latest victory, as they beat Molde 3-0 in Norway to ensure they will finish top of Group B and qualify for the knockout stages.

Arsenal have scored 12 goals in four games in Europe, but in the Premier League they have managed just nine in as many matches.

Even more worryingly, Arsenal’s last goal from open play in the League was on October 4 and Arteta knows the problem needs addressing.

<p>Arsenal struggled in their last home game, losing 3-0 to Aston Villa</p>Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal struggled in their last home game, losing 3-0 to Aston Villa

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“We’ve been competing in all the games apart from the last 25 minutes against Aston Villa,” he said.

“And at the end the boxes are defining what we do in games. And it’s true that in the opposition box we haven’t been as ruthless and resilient as we have to be.

“We have paid for that with some results. In the Europa League, we find ourselves with more flow and more creativity in the final third, I would say. [We have] more: ‘Let’s go for it, and let’s express ourselves’.

“Obviously the opponent [in the Premier League] is not the same, but it’s something to look at.

“We try to encourage them (the players) to play with that freedom. We have a lot of rotation, some because of injuries, some because of their performances.

“We have played some big teams in the first nine games. That is something we obviously have to improve, and we are trying to improve.”

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