"At that point, Arsenal did wilt. They capitulated in that part of the game. Once you create that carnival atmosphere in a ground like this, and I think calling it a hostile and fierce atmosphere is fair, it was testing tonight." Gary Neville was in no doubt Tottenham's "carnival" atmosphere played a huge part in Mikel Arteta's side losing the North London Derby in disappointing fashion this week.
Arsenal have clearly been using the infamous 4-4 draw as ammunition in recent years, winning 18 out of the last 19 games against Newcastle United. But if the Gunners are expecting an easy night in the north-east on Monday, with the Magpies playing for nothing but a top-half finish in their final two games, they are mistaken.
When they step out at St. James' Park, the atmosphere will be just as electric as it was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the derby. The Geordie faithful will be out in force for another sell-out home game, celebrating what has been a historic season for Eddie Howe and his side.
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Newcastle supporters have always played their part at home games but this season there has been a notable change. Since the takeover, the mood around the club and the city has replicated the good old days of the 90s. Ryan Fraser, Allan Saint-Maximin and Eddie Howe have all publicly praised the atmosphere in home games of late, while Kieran Trippier admitted it was unlike anything he had experienced in his career.
But it's not just current stars waxing lyrical about St James' Park, with a host of ex-players heaping praise on the fanbase each time they visit the stadium too. Neville himself has complimented the historic venue, saying: "It feels like St. James’ Park is back, and I can’t hear myself think.”
Rio Ferdinand, who has not always appealed to the Newcastle United support, likened it to a 'carnival' earlier this year. Shay Given, who experienced the highs and lows of playing for the Magpies, also admitted: "There’s a real buzz coming from this unbelievable stadium. The feel factor’s back. The big clubs will be looking behind their shoulder."
Wor Flags have done truly incredible work turning St. James' Park into a fortress in recent months. The group are hoping to go out with a bang in the final home game of the season. "As I said, we've seen some incredible displays recently across Europe and we really want to be amongst that because it will help the atmosphere," a spokesman for the group told ChronicleLive.
"Arsenal are pushing for the top four - eventually, that is where we want to be, and there is nothing like Newcastle fans backing their team when a club is coming to St James' Park for a result, we don't just give it over easy. "We want the atmosphere to be absolutely bouncing. We want to win this game."
Arsenal's Champions League fate rests in the hands of Newcastle - and the Magpies want to spoil their party with one last hurrah inside the cathedral on the hill.
