Robbie Savage has predicted that Arsenal will finish outside the Premier League’s top four by just one place next season.
The Gunners kick off their 2020-21 campaign with a trip to Fulham next weekend.
Arsenal, who won the FA Cup last month, are tipped to be a dark horse in the upcoming Premier League season due to their stunning form under Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard took over from Unai Emery in December and since football resumed in June, the North Londoners beat Liverpool twice – once in the league, once in the Community Shield – Manchester City and Chelsea.
On their day, Arteta’s side are a serious threat to England’s elite and if they can find the consistency that eluded them last term under Emery, watch this space.
The Emirates Stadium club announced another season-long loan for Dani Ceballos on Friday, having already signed Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes respectively.
All signs point to a good season for Arsenal, but Savage has written in The Mirror that he believes heartbreak awaits them come May, tipping them to finish fifth and narrowly miss Champions League qualification.
He wrote: “5th – Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has done unbelievably well to win the FA Cup and toughen up the Gunners’ soft centre since he took over from Unai Emery. Arsenal have already beaten Liverpool, City and Chelsea on his watch, and if they get off to a good start, they could finish in the top four… although I think it’s too soon to talk about a title challenge.”
It’s been four-and-a-half years since Arsenal last played in the Champions League and finishing in the top four will absolutely be Arteta’s aim this season.
And that’s precisely what he’ll be judged on, whether they finish there.
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