DRIVING FOUR CE
Xhaka eyes perfect finish to seal CL spot
GRANIT XHAKA says Arsenal must win their last four games to stand a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Gunners beat fifth-placed Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates on Sunday but still trail them by two points with a game in hand.
Liverpool, in third, lead them by seven points having played two games more and fourth-placed Manchester City are six points ahead with one less game to play.
Approach
The Gunners know that their chances remain slim of keeping up boss Arsene Wenger’s 100 per cent record of making it into Europe’s top club competition for the 21st season in a row.
They now face their final quartet of Premier games in the space of 11 days, starting tomorrow at Southampton where they have failed to win in their last five league visits. “This is a phase where we have to win every game,” said Swiss midfielder Xhaka.
“We need to approach every game in the same way as the United game.
“If we do that, I’m convinced that we can achieve what we want now.
“We need some luck along the way, but if we win the next four games, I’m convinced that we can do it.
“This is a top club, a great club. We’re having a season where things have been a bit more difficult but I’m convinced that in the coming years we can show another side.”
Xhaka, 24, opened the scoring at the weekend and he added: “It was an important win against United.
“We knew we had to win, we played a good game and deserved it, too.
“When everything comes together like that, you look good on a personal level, too. I’m really satisfied with my performance and the performance of the team, which is the most important.
“Every win does you good but to beat United is twice as nice.” Xhaka has had two red cards and 11 yellows this season but has no plans to alter his approach.
He said: “In football, you get criticised if you are sent off. It’s my style of play and nobody can make me change that.
“You become cleverer, maybe look out more and since my last red card, I think that things have improved.”