Emery's objective is 'a big atmosphere', not Champions League spot

Arsenal is in a strong position to finish in the top four, but Unai Emery says it is not the most pressing issue on his mind.

Published : Apr 02, 2019 08:55 IST

Unai Emery says his primary goal is to "create a big atmosphere" rather than worry about securing Champions League qualification with Arsenal.

The Gunners moved into third in the Premier League table, two points above Tottenham, after a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on Monday.

It was Arsenal's 10th home win in a row in the league, a run that has included victories over closest rivals Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea, and puts it in a strong position to seal a top-four spot.

READ | Solskjaer: No issue with Pogba

Emery insists it will still be tough to seal a return to Europe's elite club competition, but he is more concerned about establishing a positive rapport with the Emirates crowd than focusing on its league position.

"Our big challenge was to win again and it's not easy to win games consecutively," the Arsenal boss told a news conference. "We showed we can win with different players and formations and the players who came on, their impact was good.

"We want to create that good team spirit. Our target is very difficult and step by step we are getting there. We were lazy after [the first] two games this season, and now we are third, but there are still very difficult games ahead.

"The next challenge away to Everton is a big one as we need to convince people we can also be consistent away.

"We were playing key matches against Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. We had this opportunity and won this opportunity because we were being consistent, winning more matches to be closer to them.

"Now, I know it's going to be difficult [to stay in the top four]. I'm not thinking about that. My first target is to create a big atmosphere. We're creating it little by little."

ALSO READ | Sterling has reached 'another world', says Toure

Aaron Ramsey, who was made captain for the game, scored Arsenal's first goal and was a standout performer until he went off in the second half with what Emery said was cramp.

Emery hopes the midfielder continues to feel happy and committed to ending the season strongly, before he completes his move to Juventus for next season.

"It's clear, there's not more to speak about on that," he said. "The most important thing is he is happy, working to help us and taking a performance to be strong in each match.

"I am happy with him. I want to continue with the same spirit, individually and collectively with all the players. I can only say to him to continue. I hope he will be okay for Sunday [against Everton]."

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez felt his side was unlucky to be undone by Alexandre Lacazette's late strike, which came following a pass from substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

He admits Newcastle's fight for survival could come down to the last game of the season against Fulham, even though it has a seven-point advantage over 18th-placed Cardiff City.

ALSO READ | Mane: Liverpool must win every Premier League game

"I'm proud of the players as they are trying very hard," he said. "We were close enough to get something, but they have danger, pace and ability, and players such as Aubameyang on the bench, who is worth 75million.

"I prefer to be where we are and have the points on the table and get three points in the next game. Every game is a final, and we have to be focused and concentrated and see what happens with the other teams.

"Maybe the last match with Fulham will be the one that makes the difference."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment