Granit Xhaka admits Arsenal must improve their away Premier League form if they are to qualify for the Champions League the season, via quotes by the Evening Standard.
Mikel Arteta’s side moved into the top-four of the table on Wednesday night after beating West ham United 2-0. The result was enough to edge one-point clear of the Hammers, who had occupied a top-four position since beating Tottenham Hotspur on October 24.
Tottenham and Manchester United can still overtake Arsenal into fourth-place due to their games in hand. Spurs are four-points behind having played three fewer fixtures. The Red Devils, meanwhile, are two back after their trip to Brentford was postponed due to covid.
So, Tottenham could sit five-points above Arsenal if they win their games against Burnley (snow), Brighton and Leicester (covid). United can also go one clear by beating the Bees.
Xhaka admits one key area Arsenal must immediately stamp out
Xhaka feels it is vital for Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes that Arteta’s side therefore improve their away record immediately.
The Gunners sit second behind Manchester City only on goal difference for points taken at home so far this term. Both have 22 from a possible 27, with seven wins from nine games.
However, Arsenal rank 12th in the Premier League for points taken on the road this season. The north Londoners have only taken seven of a possible 24 so far with two wins in eight.
“We are looking much better at home,” Xhaka said. “But if you want to be in the top-four, you have to win and you have to take points away, as well.
“Hopefully, this starts on Saturday at Leeds. We have to improve away, we have to be more clever, more solid.
“We can’t play every time the same game at home and away, we have to be more clever and this starts from the experienced players to the young guys.”
Leeds could give Arsenal the springboard that Xhaka feels is needed
Arsenal have lost their last three Premier League away games ahead of Arteta’s side visiting Leeds. Their defeats have come against Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton.
Leeds may present the Gunners with a chance to take their first three-points away from the Emirates Stadium since October. They last won on the road with victory at Leicester City.
Leeds have only won two of their eight home games so far this term and have drawn three of their last four. Only Burnley, Newcastle United and Norwich City have won fewer (1).
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