Against all odds and expectations even from their own set of fans, Unai Emery’s Arsenal sit comfortably in 4th position on the English Premier League table with 8 matches still left to play. For a team that finished 6th last season and lost a manager who been at the helm for 22 years, its is no mean feat what the Gunners have achieved this season.
The season however still hangs in the balance and Arsenal are by no means assured of a top 4 place this season with the likes of Manchester Unite and Chelsea breathind down their necks. Unai Emery’s players will have to at their best to end the season as Champions League participants next season, here are 3 players who will be vital to Arsenal’s run in…
Bernd Leno
What a player the German is turning out to be! After a bench cameo early on in the season where Unai Emery’s preferred Petr Cech ahead of the former Bayern Leverkusen man, he came into the team following an injury to Cech and has nee looked back since.
He is a modern goalkeeper who is not only comfortable with his feet but also a top class shot stopper who is has ‘De Gea like’ reflexes in him. His doube save against Spurs in the North London derby was as good as any goalkeeper will ever make and Arsenal will need him to produce such more often if they are to finish in the top 4.
Granit Xhaka
The Swiss midfielder is undoubtedly Arsenal’s midfield general. The Gunners struggle to build play with Xhaka absent from the team and sadly Arsenal not have any other midfielder who can do what Xhaka does.
His reading of the game is perfect and his range of passing is very good too helping Arsenal control matches with ease, he will need to be in top form in the remaining 8 matches.
Sokratis
The Greek defender has been Arsenal’s rock at the back this season. Sokratis embraces the physical nature of the English game and will neve shy away from a challenge, just ask Harry Kane! Together with Laurent Koscielny, the two have formed a really good partnership and will be hugely important in the league run in and the latter stages of the Europa League.
Should all these players stay fit and firing through the remaining two months of the Premier League season, Arsenal have a very good chance of making it to the Champions League places this season. What are your thoughts on Arsenal’s chances of playing in the champions league next season? Let us know in the comments…