‘Arsenal don’t need to win a trophy this season – we just want to see progress’, Gunners legend Alan Smith tells talkSPORT
Former striker says the only expectation on Unai Emery this season is to stop the Gunners from being pushovers
Arsenal legend Alan Smith has told talkSPORT there is little expectation on Unai Emery’s first season in charge at the Emirates Stadium - he just wants to see progress.
Emery has not enjoyed the best start to life in charge of the Gunners.
The Spaniard, who took over from Arsene Wenger this summer following the Frenchman’s 22-year reign, was handed a baptism of fire by playing Manchester City and Chelsea – the last two Premier League champions – in his first two Premier League games.
The Gunners lost both, meaning Emery has overseen Arsenal's worst start to a Premier League season in 26 years.
And supporters have not been overawed by what they have seen so far. The team appear to be struggling with Emery’s ‘play it out from the back’ tactics, which in-part led to their own downfall in their opening two defeats.
But it’s early days yet, and Smith says he is willing to be patient to see Arsenal’s fortunes turn around and is hoping the new boss will get them competing for Premier League titles once again.
The former striker told talkSPORT host Jim White: “Speaking on the supporters’ behalf, what they would want to see mainly, it’s not so much finishing in the top four – although that would be very welcome.
“It’s not so much winning a trophy – because Arsenal have won three FA Cups in recent times.
“It’s more about turning a corner and being able to see progress.
“Being able to see the team and the club heading in the right direction in terms of there being a bit more substance to the side, getting closer to the title challengers, being in the mix for longer and being more respected as a team.
“At times over the last five years or so, we go up to Man City, Man United or Liverpool and it’s head in hands time, you’re looking from behind the sofa, you’re not quite sure how Arsenal are going to do.
“You want them to be respected more.
“For this first season, of course there is more to come after that, but for this first season I’d like Unai Emery’s Arsenal to be regarded in that way – a team that won’t roll over.”