Fans Have Built Fortress Emirates, Claims Walcott

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott feels the Gunners' supporters have played a major role in making the Emirates a difficult place to visit for all teams this season.

Arsenal have won 11 of 16 home league matches this season and have lost just twice (against Liverpool and Manchester United). They have also won four of their five Champions League games at the Emirates this term.

Walcott thinks the support that the "Gooners" have provided at home has turned the Emirates into a fortress in recent months.

"I think the fans expect us to win every game, and we expect to go out there, play our best and we feel we can win every game," Arsenal.com quoted Walcott as saying.

"The Emirates is starting to become a fortress, which is what we want it to be. That is with the help of the fans, they develop that. Away fans and players don't like to come to the Emirates, especially over the last few months. It helps us players, it is like having an extra man on the field," added the 23 year old winger.

Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates this weekend, in a match crucial for both teams as the Gunners battle Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle United for a top four spot and City look to close down the five-point gap with league leaders Manchester United.