Chronicle Editor
Cape Town — Arsenal caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg believes a top-four finish is “100 percent achievable” despite being seven points shy of fourth-placed Chelsea.
The Gunners are currently eighth in the Premier League table, seven points off fourth-placed Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
It is now six Premier League matches without a win after they were held to a 2-2 draw against Norwich City on Sunday.
Despite another below-par performance, Ljungberg thinks Arsenal can still qualify for the Champions League.
“Top four is 100 percent achievable,” Ljungberg said.
“We are working on the backroom staff. What I saw in the first 30 minutes was good.
“When we went down the players’ heads didn’t drop but they wanted to sort it out and that is good.
“I’m just trying to make it as simple as possible. I’ve been here last year and of course I have an opinion on how we can play and everyone has a fair chance.”
Meanwhile, Nice boss Patrick Vieira insists he has no plans to leave the French side and doesn’t know anything about reports linking him with the Arsenal job.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a new permanent manager after sacking Unai Emery earlier this week.
Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira has been suggested as a potential target, but the Frenchman says he is fully focused on current club Nice.
“There are things I don’t control. People say a lot of things in this industry, whether they’re true or not. I have nothing to say on the matter,” Vieira said after Nice overcame Angers 3-1 on Saturday evening.
“Like you, I read things, watch things and listen to things. That’s all. I have never said I wanted to leave Nice. Maybe one day I’ll be sacked without wanting to leave Nice. I know where I am, and I know where I’m going, and it doesn’t bother me.”
Vieira’s former Arsenal team-mate Freddie Ljungberg has been placed in temporary charge of the Gunners and he could yet secure the job on a permanent basis if he manages to impress.
Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta, ex Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and Wolves’ Nuno Espirito Santo are all considered potential successors to Emery.
Vieira’s Nice sit in 11th spot in the Ligue 1 table after a mixed start to the season and they are next in action on Wednesday when they travel to Saint-Etienne.
Fixtures
Today: Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth (Selhurst Park 21:30), Burnley v Manchester City (Turf Moor 22:15).
Tomorrow: Leicester City v Watford (King Power Stadium 21:30), Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United (Molineux Stadium 21:30), Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur (Old Trafford 21:30), Southampton v Norwich City (St. Mary’s Stadium 21:30), Chelsea v Aston Villa (Stamford Bridge 21:30), Liverpool v Everton (Anfield 22:15).
Thursday: Sheffield United v Newcastle United (Bramall Lane 21:30), Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion (Emirates Stadium 22:15). — AFP.
Online Reporter