Arsenal's Bernd Leno explains why the north London derby's atmosphere is unique

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Matt Davies18 May 2020

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno insists the north London derby is incomparable, stating it's the best atmosphere he's ever played in.

The 28-year-old completed a £22.5million move to Arsenal in 2018, previously playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, a league known for its dedicated fanbase.

After initially battling Petr Cech for a place in the starting line-up, Leno has now made 66 appearances for the club in all competitions, including two draws against arch-rivals Tottenham.

And the German reveals the two games resembled an experience like no other. While fans in Germany can be heard continuously throughout the 90 minutes, he states Premier League fans are more immersed, taking a particular liking to a proper, old-fashioned tackle.

"The best atmosphere was the north London derby against Tottenham," Leno told Arsenal's official website in a Q&A. "It's the best I've ever played in.

(Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I

"The difference between Germany and England is that in Germany you have the ultras in most of the stadiums behind the goal.

"There's like 20,000 behind one goal, singing all the time.

"In England, the fans are singing everywhere. In England it's either very loud or very reactive.

"In Germany they're singing a lot and it's loud, but English fans react more to saves, to tackles - they celebrate them more like goals!"

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