Unai Emery says his Arsenal side are in the fight for the top-four but believes it will be tricky to achieve their goal.
The Gunners are one-point off fourth-placed Manchester United after picking up their first away win since November at Huddersfield on Saturday and are now 3/1 to end the season in the Champions League spots.
Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette struck in the first-half for Emery's side at the John Smith's Stadium with an own goal from Sead Kolasinac in stoppage time proving to be nothing more than a consolation for the rock-bottom Terriers.
Emery had said ahead of kick-off that the encounter was a must-win game for his team in the race for the top-four and was pleased to see his players dig in to hold off a determined Huddersfield side.
However, despite his team only being one point off fourth, the Spaniard feels it will be tricky to finish ahead of the likes of United and Chelsea come the end of the season.
"It was very important to win, to be closer to the top four and our target is this," Emery said. "After 26 games there is a one-point difference between us and Manchester United.
"If we ask is it difficult for us, I think it's difficult, but we can. After 26 games we are on our way and our motivation is very great and we've brought our target closer.
"I am very happy. We were working well. Every player was working and helping each other and today I'm very proud with our work."
While pleased to end their six-game winless run in the league away from home, Emery was frustrated to see his team yet again concede against a Huddersfield side who had only scored 13 times previously.
Arsenal are the only side yet to keep a clean sheet away from home this season in the Premier League and Emery says they can't afford to keep allowing teams back into games by conceding.
“It’s not enough, if they scored one goal we could have struggled more," said Emeru.
“My ambition is I want them to continue with the mentality of the first goal, don’t concede options and positions.
“I know it’s easier on the bench than on the pitch. But today the players worked well.”
Arsenal are next in action against BATE in the Europa League last-32 first leg on Thursday and are 4/9 for the win in Belarus. BATE are 6/1 and the draw is 10/3.
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Unai Emery says his Arsenal side are in the fight for the top-four but believes it will be tricky to achieve their goal.
The Gunners are one-point off fourth-placed Manchester United after picking up their first away win since November at Huddersfield on Saturday and are now 3/1 to end the season in the Champions League spots.
Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette struck in the first-half for Emery's side at the John Smith's Stadium with an own goal from Sead Kolasinac in stoppage time proving to be nothing more than a consolation for the rock-bottom Terriers.
Emery had said ahead of kick-off that the encounter was a must-win game for his team in the race for the top-four and was pleased to see his players dig in to hold off a determined Huddersfield side.
However, despite his team only being one point off fourth, the Spaniard feels it will be tricky to finish ahead of the likes of United and Chelsea come the end of the season.
"It was very important to win, to be closer to the top four and our target is this," Emery said. "After 26 games there is a one-point difference between us and Manchester United.
"If we ask is it difficult for us, I think it's difficult, but we can. After 26 games we are on our way and our motivation is very great and we've brought our target closer.
"I am very happy. We were working well. Every player was working and helping each other and today I'm very proud with our work."
While pleased to end their six-game winless run in the league away from home, Emery was frustrated to see his team yet again concede against a Huddersfield side who had only scored 13 times previously.
Arsenal are the only side yet to keep a clean sheet away from home this season in the Premier League and Emery says they can't afford to keep allowing teams back into games by conceding.
“It’s not enough, if they scored one goal we could have struggled more," said Emeru.
“My ambition is I want them to continue with the mentality of the first goal, don’t concede options and positions.
“I know it’s easier on the bench than on the pitch. But today the players worked well.”
Arsenal are next in action against BATE in the Europa League last-32 first leg on Thursday and are 4/9 for the win in Belarus. BATE are 6/1 and the draw is 10/3.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com