It didn’t take long but as expected the so-called pundits are predicting that Arsenal will fail to make the top four. Sky pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reckon that Tottenham will take third place with Man Utd the most likely to grab the final fourth spot at the expense of both us and Chelsea.
Both had a lot to say about our away form, the respective run ins, Chelsea’s tough away games against Liverpool and United and Tottenham playing in their new stadium.
They also predict that because Tottenham have four home games in their run in that they have the advantage.
Their most damning verdict was saved for us, especially from Carragher who only sees us winning one of our four away games.
The thing is this, I am ok with their opinions, I do not agree at all, but the more the pundits, former players, and so called experts put us down, underestimate us and disregard us, the more I am convinced that it will provide an incentive to the players.
If you think the players and Unai Emery do not listen and read what these people say you would be mistaken, of course they do and it will drive them on, in fact, I would urge the manager to pin up on the dressing room wall what they have to say.
Yes, our away form is poor, yes, we did badly against Everton, but come on, we are right in the middle of the pack, we are in the Europa League quarter finals and you do not get to that stage without having something about you.
So, I say, carry on, put us down, we will prove you wrong.
COYG!