Arsenal legend Robert Pires backs Unai Emery to spark revival

Arsenal have got off to a bad start, accepts Robert Pires.

However, the former Gunner still has faith Unai Emery can turn results around.

Robert Pires concedes Arsenal are “in big trouble” but is backing Unai Emery as the right coach to change their fortunes. A late goal from Alexandre Lacazette – his second of the game – salvaged a 2-2 home draw against Southampton on Saturday, with Arsenal now without a win in their last five Premier League matches.

The Gunners sit a worrying eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after just 13 games. Saturday’s result piled more pressure on Emery, with Arsenal’s fanbase growing increasingly restless. But Pires, who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his time at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, believes Emery can correct their dismal form.

“Everybody knows at Arsenal, even Unai Emery, that they are in big trouble,” Pires told The Athletic.

“But Emery is a competitor, he knows the high level. He was a great manager with Sevilla, with Paris Saint-Germain, but the situation is not so good. He is a good manager, I think he will make a success with Arsenal. I hope for him anyway. The situation is not so good, but him and the players need to find the solution.”

Pires said Arsenal must still push for a top-four place, given the Champions League is where the best players want to be: “The target for Arsenal and for Unai is to finish in the top four because it’s very important for Arsenal to play again in the Champions League next season.

“I don’t know what will happen at the end of the season, especially for Arsenal. For some players – Aubameyang, Lacazette, or even Mesut Ozil – the first thing for them and all the Arsenal players is to finish in the top four.”

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