Finishing within the Premier League’s top four is currently a “fantasy” for Arsenal, says Charlie Nicholas, attentively switch from collective efforts and towards people like Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe.

A sorry slump for the Gunners, that has delivered one win across fifteen games in all competitions, has left them languishing in twelfth spot.

Mikel Arteta has taken the reins, with the Spaniard appointed as the permanent successor to fellow countryman Unai emery.

He can are totally tuned in to what he was obtaining himself into, with a significant reconstruct needed at the Emirates sports stadium.

That is aiming to take time, with the 2019-20 campaign nearly at the purpose of being written off.

Former Gunners striker Nicholas is reluctant to do that however concedes that Champions League qualification spots have most likely slipped out of sight.

With that in mind, the Scotchman is searching for Arteta to place foundations in place on that future success is engineered, with key men like Ozil and Pepe set to play vital roles in this method.

Nicholas told Sky Sports: “I cannot quit on them, however, Arsenal cannot get a win at the instant, though it will appear more brilliant.

“There is an additional fight in there, no confidence, however, there are a form and a bent to travel and check out to squeeze the ball.

“Mesut Ozil is enjoying higher, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains grading goals ANd Bukayo Saka has been a category at left-back despite being an assaulter.

“You cannot set up for the Bernd Leno howler [in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea ], however, the defense was higher however still vulnerable, as were the midfield protectors.”

Nicholas added ahead of a replacement Year’s Day home date with Manchester United: “They want a win and it’s not regarding closing the gap to the highest four as that’s a fantasy for them this year.

“Mikel Arteta started with a draw and a harsh defeat therefore it’s time for them to urge a win.

“Man Utd are terribly dangerous on the counter-attack, however, Reiss Nelson has been good, and Arteta might provide Nicolas Pepe a begin. He may be able to return and do one thing.”

Pepe has endured testing begin to live in
England following a club-record £72 million ($95m) moves to Arsenal over the summer, with simply four goals recorded through twenty games.

Ozil has conjointly visaged many queries relating to his value to the Gunners cause, however, the World Cup winner did provide signs of encouragement against Chelsea and remains a match-winner on his day.