Former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey believes that Arsenal should be feeling confident about finishing in the top four this season.
What’s he said, then?
Heskey, who had stints at Leicester City and Aston Villa, was impressed by the Gunners’ start to the season after quietly getting on with their business in the summer.
Arsenal find themselves third after eight games, with their only defeat coming against Liverpool in August.
Heskey told bwin that the north London outfit should feel that they get can back into the Champions League next season.
“Arsenal have quietly gone about their business this season and should be confident of a top-four finish. They’re picking up results and have some excellent young players coming through the ranks.”
The 41-year-old elaborated by saying that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is key to their top four hopes.
“Aubameyang’s really sunk his feet in to the league and looks like he could score every game. He’s a defender’s nightmare, because he only needs one chance. It plays on a defender’s mind a lot more when you know that one slip and the guy you’re marking is going to punish you. He’s hungry for goals and can make something out of nothing, he was an outstanding buy from the club.”
Following in the footsteps
Despite the fact a certain section of Arsenal fans are currently unhappy with the way that their side has been performing, there can be no complaints about where they find themselves in the league.
Unai Emery finds himself on a journey which is similar to what Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp embarked upon in 2015.
Having taken over the Merseyside club with a fragmented squad, it took two seasons for the club to get back in the Champions League and an extra year to challenge for the Premier League.
Emery is currently in his second campaign and rivals around his side are rapidly dropping points. Klopp, who also lost a Europa League final during his first season, should draw inspiration for the Spanish manager.
Regardless of the criticism that Emery has been receiving, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler said that both managers run “similar operations” with their respective approaches to management being remarkably similar, per the Express.
There is still a long way to go in the season and their consistency at home gives them a great advantage. Emery will have to address the club’s travels to cement a place in next season’s Champions League.
