The evolution of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta has been so steady and impressive that the turbulence of the Unai Emery era now feels like a distant memory for the Emirates faithful.
Having secured three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, the Gunners have moved beyond their old “top four” ambitions and established themselves firmly among the title contenders.
As the 2025-26 campaign moves deeper into its decisive stages, Arteta’s side are once again locked in a fierce battle at the summit, carrying a belief that has transformed the mood around the club.
That influence is felt most strongly on matchdays, with Emirates Stadium — once criticised for its sterile atmosphere — now one of the most intimidating and vibrant cauldrons in European football.
That renewed energy has also inspired new Arsenal chants, with ”North London Forever” emerging as the defining anthem heard before kick-off at every home game.
The song now symbolises the unity and ambition running through the club, capturing the spirit of both players and supporters as they chase major honours.
For a closer look at the lyrics, tune and how the anthem became part of matchday life at the Emirates, read on.
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North London Forever chant lyrics and tune
The North London Forever chant is an original song written and sung by Louis Mark Dunford. The lyrics are as follows:
North London forever,
Whatever the weather,
These streets are our own,
And my heart will leave you never,
My blood will forever,
Run through the stone
North London Forever background
The song was released in 2022 by Louis Dunford as an ode to his home town of Islington and his family and friends who live there. Very quickly after it was released, Arsenal fans began sharing it on social media, which clearly attracted the interest of Mikel Arteta.
Arteta then invited Dunford to the club's training ground to meet the players, and he was then invited to a match against Leeds. On that same day, the crowd spontaneously started singing the chorus to North London Forever, and Arteta spoke afterwards about the impact that it had on his players. The Spaniard said:
“It was really emotional. I think there is a link with the way the team started because they were making comments in the dressing room, hearing the song with the spirit and emotion that they did, it was unique.
“I have never experienced that here, it was the first time and I really enjoyed it and I hope that the fans enjoyed it too.”
The fans clearly did, as ever since, it has been sung before every home match.
Arsenal fans singing North London Forever
Is “North London Forever” the best anthem in the Premier League?
While long-established songs such as You'll Never Walk Alone and I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles have been part of football culture for generations, North London Forever has quickly made its mark since being adopted by Arsenal in 2022.
The song stands out partly because of its folk roots, carrying a deep connection to the local Islington area that many supporters feel gives it a genuine, emotional edge.
The anthem has become a defining part of the pre-match ritual at the Emirates Stadium, especially during the 2025-26 title charge.
When the acoustic guitar kicks in before kick-off, the crowd creates a sound that both the players and Arteta have frequently cited as a “twelfth man” advantage.
Some rival fans still mock the tradition, often labelling it as part of a perceived “Arsenal cringe” culture, but the reaction inside the stadium tends to tell a very different story, with thousands of supporters fully buying into the moment.
Whether it is the best anthem in the Premier League remains open to debate, but the chant’s impact on Arsenal’s atmosphere and recent success means it has become one of the most recognisable walk-out songs in the league today.
FGG says: Say what you like, it does its job
The North London Forever chant has faced plenty of ridicule since Arsenal fans started singing it. Some have labelled it ‘cringey', while others have labelled it ‘manufactured'.
At the end of the day, these anthems have to be new at some point, and in time, they will perhaps receive more recognition. For now, though, it's clearly having an impact on the fans, players and staff at Arsenal, and that's all that matters.