Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu says it would be “a miracle” if Arsenal win the Premier League in their first season under Unai Emery, but that he’s been encouraged by the Spaniard’s approach so far.
Kanu urged fans to be patient with Emery but also stressed the importance of winning a trophy right away, even if the league may be out of reach.
“We have to give him time for him to bring his own style and the way he wants to play,” Kanu told Press Association Sport. “It takes time for the newcomers, the new signings, to adapt, but if it happens and they win the league it’s a miracle — I wish that would happen.
“The only thing the fans want is for them to win the league. For the new manager it’s going to be a very big challenge; the fans want them to perform in the league in his first year, which is always difficult for a new coach.
“First, second or third is successful. It’s a very big club — coming into a big club you need a trophy, so if you don’t win the league, you need to win the others. It’s hard, but that’s what you expect of a coach of that stature and a big club.”
Arsenal have made five signings this summer, most of them aimed at shoring up a notoriously leaky defence, which Kanu says is the right approach.
“He’s been signing new, good players,” he said. “They’re more defensive, and not allowing goals, which is good. They have to know how to win games, even if it’s 1-0. All they need is the three points.”
The former Nigeria international was also optimistic about Arsenal’s attack and said Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the kind of forward that gives the club a chance at fighting for the biggest titles.
“Aubameyang’s very, very good,” he said. “Last season was his first season; now he has adjusted to the Premier League. He’s been playing very well with the new coach and his teammates; this season is going to be his season, if he works for it.
“They have other players who can also do that, but if he can perform, if it’s a good season for him, they have a chance to win the league.”
Nwankwo Kanu also think Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can help Arsenal to mount a title challenge this season.
The 29-year-old scored 10 goals in 13 appearances last season for Arsenal and Kanu believes the Gabon striker is destined for further success with Arsenal.
Kanu is hoping Aubameyang, who joined the club in January, can show his true potential and be the spearhead for the club.
“If he can perform, if it’s a good season for him they have a chance to win the league,” said Kanu.
“Aubameyang’s very, very good. Last season was his first season; now he has adjusted to the Premier League. He’s been playing well with the new coach and his team-mates; this season is going to be his season, if he works for it”.
Arsenal last won the league in 2004 and Kanu believes a top-three finish and silverware would be enough to constitute a successful season.
Unai Emery will take charge of his first competitive game when their season gets underway on August 12 against Manchester City, and the former Arsenal striker has already been impressed with the new manager.
The 42-year-old said: “We have to give him time to bring his own style and the way he wants to play.
“It takes time for the newcomers, the new signings, to adapt but if it happens and they win the league it’s a miracle – I wish that would happen.