Gunners boss, Unai Emery has challenged Denis Suarez to finally make an impact as Arsenal bid to climb back into the Premier League’s top four against Newcastle on Monday.
Suarez has struggled since his January loan move from Barcelona and the Spanish midfielder is yet to make a competitive start for the Gunners.
Unai Emery's only thinking about the next match. #AFC #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/asAcnsJ9ev
— AFCMike (@AFCPW) March 30, 2019
But a series of impressive displays at Arsenal’s recent training camp in Dubai could have earned the 25-year-old a chance to shine when Newcastle visit the Emirates Stadium.
Suarez played the full 90 minutes and created a goal for Carl Jenkinson in Arsenal 3-2 friendly victory over Al Nasr.
Xhaka scores a typical Xhaka goal but with the opposite foot. #afc pic.twitter.com/nYrKPYEOft
— Arsenal (@AFCvideosHD_) March 26, 2019
With Granit Xhaka facing a late fitness test and Lucas Torreira suspended, Arsenal boss Emery is encouraged by Suarez’s timely improvement.
“He is okay for starting in the first XI, to give us this impact,” Emery said.
“We are going to need everybody, every player for the next matches.
“We decided to go away to train for four days and play a match in Dubai. But it’s the same idea, the same spirit.”
And here is Denis Suarez, also deputising for Granit Xhaka, during a training session at London Colney. #AFC #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/rcEec3bwys
— AFCMike (@AFCPW) March 31, 2019
Emery was keen to work with Suarez again after signing on loan at Sevilla in 2014-15.
Asked about the time it had taken Suarez to settle in north London, Emery added: “It’s normal. Now we have a lot of players ready, with a big mentality and with a big performance to play and help us.”
Ramsey meeting Denis Suarez for the first time pic.twitter.com/k4c6tun9t7
— Simpsons Arsenal (@SimpsonsArsenal) April 1, 2019
A victory is essential after Arsenal dropped to fifth place on Saturday as a result of Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Watford.
Ask and you shall receive, boss! ✌️ #MUFC #MUNWAT pic.twitter.com/0HEyGOXhzW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 30, 2019
Beating Newcastle would give Arsenal a 10th successive home league win, equalling a run they last enjoyed in the 1997-98 season in Arsene Wenger’s first full campaign as manager.
That pass from today's star man = 🎯
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 30, 2019
Simple question: the best this season? #MUFC