THIS IS UNAI’S WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Gunners legend Seaman: Emery gifted & now he’s ready to spend

v

DAVID SEAMAN has hailed Arsenal’s progress under new manager Unai Emery – but believes he’ll still need two transfer windows to truly call this team his own.

The Gunners meet Southampton at St Mary’s this afternoon, having not lost a game since August 18.

That Premier League defeat by Chelsea, following a loss on the opening day to Manchester City, handed the club a rocky start under the Spaniard.

But Arsene Wenger’s replacement has made huge progress since.

Arsenal go into the match against the South Coast strugglers having won 17 of their last 22 matches, including 10 of their last 14 in the league.

That run includes a memorable 4-2 hiding of Tottenham at the Emirates in late November – a victory that further endeared Emery to Arsenal fans so desperate for a return to titlechasing glory days.

And another win against Saints today would maintain the club’s big push to reclaim a top-four home – a feat that Seaman believes puts the new Gunners boss well ahead of schedule.

Confidence

England goalkeeping legend Seaman, who made 405 league appearances for Arsenal, said: “Emery has got his players playing with confidence.

“That’s hugely important when you’ve got so many youngsters. But he still needs a couple of transfer windows to really put his stamp on that team – a lot of this side is still Arsene Wenger’s.

“But they’re playing well together, they’re playing with confidence and it’s great to see.

“Getting back into the top four would be a great season. It’s going to be tough.

“I think the top two are going to run away with it, and probably Manchester City will win it.

“But the next two places are going to be difficult, with us, Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United all in there.”

Arsenal have been lethal in front of goal this season, with PierreEmerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette providing a cutting edge that has previously been lacking.

Vulnerable

Emery’s side can still l ook vulnerable at the back – but Seaman has no complaints about the spirit the Gunners are now showing.

“That win against Spurs was a fantastic result, not just because of the victory – but because we came back from 2-1 down,” said Seaman, who won three league titles during his Highbury career.

“That was great for me to see because I didn’t know if that team had it in them – to be under such pressure in a big game but then produce like they did.

“It was a surprise to go up to the Man United game as favourites but that showed how far this team has already come.

“Arsenal have always been good going forward, it’s just the defending that needs tightening up.

“Attacking-wise we’re great, but we just need to have a little bit more cunning and use more experience when we’re defending.

“We’re giving away too many chances per game. We’ve seen Bernd Leno, and also Petr Cech when he was in, having four or five saves to make every match. “That’s too many.

“The confidence is back in the team, though, there’s simply no doubt about that.”