Published: 5 April, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

THEO Walcott believes that the vociferous support from home fans is helping to turn the Emirates Stadium into a “fortress”.

The Gunners have only lost twice there in the Premier League this season, a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in August and a 2-1 loss against Manchester United in January.

Arsene Wenger’s side face the ultimate test on Sunday when they host Roberto Mancini’s title-chasing Manchester City, and go into the game knowing that a win is vital if they are to secure an automatic place in next season’s Champions League.

Walcott has little doubt that the crowd will make a difference.

“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,” he told Arsenal.com.

“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, it is like having an extra man on the field.”

Arsenal’s seven-game winning run was ended at QPR on ­Saturday but Walcott believes the team has what it takes to bounce back.

“I think that we can deal with pressure when it is thrown upon our shoulders.

“We have got everything. ­People are coming out of their shells, playing at the top of their games and staying fit.

“We have real character in the squad, a lot of leaders and captains, and that helps us.”