GUNNERS IN FIRING LINE

in this process. The most important thing is to be aware the difficulties will come and at that moment still be able to make progress.”

Arsenal’s dip in form since mid-December – four defeats in their last eight – has brought expectations crashing down.

Emery said: “The idea is to get Arsenal back to where the club deserves to be but it needs time. The adaptation of the club and team is progressing in a positive way.

“In terms of getting into the Champions League and finishing in the top four, which is our main objective, we are not there right now. But I believe we have time to achieve that this season.”

The Spaniard succeeded Arsene Wenger in the summer and Emery added: “When a club changes manager, it is because they want something new.

“The challenge is to identify the good things, the things you have to maintain, but also things you have to change and improve. Here, there were lots of things to change and improve.”

Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit has also claimed Mesut Ozil is sleepwalking towards retirement.

Ozil, 30, has been frozen out under Emery and Arsenal are ready to subsidise his £350,000-a-week wages to get him off the books.

Double-winner Petit said: “I think he lost his motivation and desire. He now looks as if he is just waiting for his retirement.

“A player losing his motivation happens a lot. We are not robots. If you earn so much money, have already won so many titles...

“I can see what’s going on out there on the pitch and his body language is not good.

“It’s a great shame because he’s a beautiful player but he needs to be loved.

“I don’t see him leaving the club. Where would he go? I think the club needs Ozil,

“He needs to understand that and must get over his frustration and try to fight until the end, to somehow save his pride.”