Michael Owen claimed Arsenal’s clash with Southampton is a must-win game for Gunners boss Unai Emery.
The former Premier League striker shared that with the Saints sitting 19th in the league table, just one point and one place above bottom-placed Norwich City, then Arsenal simply have to beat them.
Owen implied that he thought the Gunners were going to get the win, as he suggested people bet on “Arsenal -1”, but did point out that the London club had dropped points from winning positions lately.
“Arsenal had just one shot on target in their latest league defeat on the road at the King Power Stadium and the Gunners have dropped points from winning positions in their last couple of games at the Emirates against Palace and Wolves,” wrote Owen in his predictions for BetVictor.
“Unai Emery’s side start the day eight points off fourth place in the table and I think this is a must-win game for the Gunners’ boss given Saints sit just one point and one place off the foot of the table.
“Tip: Arsenal -1.”
Gunnersphere – What do we think?
Owen is spot-on to suggest Emery’s future hangs in the balance as the Gunners haven’t been firing on all cylinders lately, and their position in the league table reflects that.
Arsenal currently sit sixth in the table with 17 points from their first 12 games and considering the London club should have ambitions of finishing in the top-four, it’s not good enough.
This is especially the case when you consider the Gunners are eight points off Manchester City, who currently occupy fourth, as it means that if they drop points against the Saints on Saturday, the gap may become too big to bridge despite it still being early in the season.
