Arsenal is set to play in front of its "lowest-ever attendance for a Premier League fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Thursday night," according to Mark Critchley of the London INDEPENDENT. Approximately 2,500 tickets were offered to club members while a few hundred more were placed on general sale but, "due to a lack of interest, many have remained unsold." A number of season ticket holders "are also expected to stay at home after Sky Sports’ request to move the game to a Thursday night was granted." The Gunners' "poor form is thought to be one of the reasons behind the slow uptake in sales," as Arsène Wenger's side lies fourth in the table, "unsure of a place in next season's Champions League" (
INDEPENDENT, 4/20). ESPN's Mattias Karen reported Wenger said that his players "have to distance themselves from the negative atmosphere at the Emirates." Wenger said, "Everybody is free to do what he wants with his season ticket, we have to live with that. It's a Thursday night, that's unusual. It's just [after] a disappointing result at home, maybe that plays a part as well. I don't know." Wenger acknowledged that the "fan discontent had affected him, but insisted it should not affect the team's performances on the pitch." He said, "I want our fans to be happy. And of course when they are not, it affects me. You do not want to play in a negative environment. And if we do, we can still perform" (
ESPN, 4/20).
