Unai Emery defends travel-sick Gunners
April 15, 2019
Unai Emery doesn’t feel Arsenal’s woes on the road are a product of a poor mentality.
The Spaniard suggests the problem cannot be fixed overnight but he feels the signs are there that they will get it right.
His side have taken just 19 points from their 15 Premier League away games so far this season, failing to keep a single clean sheet so far in Emery’s maiden season at the helm.
They head for Watford on Monday night needing a victory to reclaim their place in the top four. Moving above the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the table would be proof that Arsenal are on the right track, Emery suggests.
“We are playing to be in the top four. We are showing we are competitive with a good mentality,” he told Sky Sports. “We need to continue improving with the process. I cannot do it [with a click of my finger].
“It’s a process but this team has a good mentality. We are improving, the table is giving us this answer.”
Emery is a former team-mate of Watford boss Javi Gracia and he anticipates a physical battle at Vicarage Road, though he also outlines the quality Watford have in their own ranks.
“We need to be strong defensively, they have very good players in the final third, with long balls and crosses,” he added.
“They have individual quality in (Gerard) Deulofeu and (Troy) Deeney. (Will) Hughes and (Andre) Gray can surprise the second line and get into the box with very good crosses from (Jose) Holebas and Kiko (Femenia).
“They have strong defenders and a very good goalkeeper also. We need to battle for each moment, each metre for the 90 minutes.”
Arsenal are 2.15 favourites to win on Monday evening, with Watford 3.30 and the draw priced at 3.60.
