Pires: We’re Gunner end title wait soon
ROBERT PIRES reckons Unai Emery is the man who can end Arsenal’s title famine.
The Frenchman was a member of the Invincibles side who went unbeaten to win the 2003-04 Premier League title, one of four major trophies he won during his six-year stay in north London.
But the Gunners have been shooting blanks in the 14 seasons following that unforgettable year – reduced to a ration of FA Cup wins to stave off the hunger for success.
Arsenal fans are hungry for title No.14 with this drought the third longest since they first became English champions in 1931.
And Pires, 45, believes Emery is the man to supply it.
He said: “I am not surprised to see Arsenal build this long unbeaten run because I know Unai, he is like a warrior.
“He won a lot of trophies when he was manager of Sevilla and Paris St-Germain, so even though it was always going to be difficult to replace Arsene Wenger, he has done a good job.
“He has his philosophy, he brought good discipline to the dressing room, he is a very good decision-maker, even if it is not always a popular decision.
“I am not sure they can win the title this season as Manchester
City and Liverpool are playing so well but I hope they can reach the top four.
“It’s clear that Emery changed something in the dressing room, especially in the mind of some players. Now everyone knows they need to prove something to the new manager.”
It is easier to prove a point than win a Premier League, though.
So while Arsenal under Emery are better than they were in the final years of the Wenger reign, the reality remains that financially, City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool are still ahead.
But Pires would not be surprised if the Gunners won the title within the next three years.
He said: “The first objective is to finish in the top four, Arsenal need to play in the Champions League next season.
“Maybe we can lift the Europa League this year. But Arsenal can be champions again.”
• Robert Pires was speaking in Dublin at the Euro 2020 draw