Speaking on Sky Sports(via Independent), Gary Neville commented on Arsenal’s chances of finishing in the top four.
The Gunners have won their last four games in the Premier League and find themselves in a great position to finish in the Champions League spots. They currently sit in fourth and are a point above Manchester United with three games in hand.
But the former United defender and current pundit thinks that the north Londoners do not have enough to finish above the Manchester club. Whenasked about what Mikel Arteta can do with this team, Neville responded by saying:
“I don’t fully trust Arsenal, I think it will be brilliant for the club and Mikel Arteta if they do it, that group of players has been fantastic. But they’ve still got some big games to play – United still have to go to Arsenal and there’s a long way to go. United could still do it.”
Neville did have positive things to say about the Gunners as he mentioned the work that Arteta has done. He also spoke about the young stars that are driving the club forward singling out Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli. He added:
“[Arteta] is [backing] good youth. He has got players there, was it two years ago against Chelsea when there were a few players missing for various reasons? And he brought in Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe. He brought those three in that day and we thought, ‘This could be difficult’. And they were sensational.”
Arsenal Fever View:
While at first glance it might seem that the former Valencia manager is being harsh, there is some logic behind the statement. The north Londoners do have to play all three of the other teams that are vying for that fourth spot.
With trips to West Ham United and Tottenham plus having to play United and Liverpool at home, there is a long way to go for Arteta’s men. The remaining fixtures are going to be a real test of the team’s capabilities.
Arsenal must ensure that they take each game as it comes instead of focusing too much on their rivals. That way, they can be in a better place mentally to deal with the challenges ahead. Getting back to the Champions League would be an incredible achievement for the young squad. Arteta has done well to turn things around and if he can guide the players to the top four, the season would be a huge success.
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