Pundit says ‘fluent Arsenal as good as anybody on their day’

Oli Fisher
Arsenal: Tipped to challenge by Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas believes Arsenal have got their ‘swagger and groove back’, and insists it’s up to the Gunners to prove they are silverware candidates.

The Gunners finished top of their Champions League group with a 4-1 win over FC Basel on Tuesday night.

“When Arsenal are a club with fluency and momentum, they are as good as anybody,” Nicholas told Soccer Special.

“They’ve beaten Barcelona in the past and they can beat any of the top sides, but can they do it consistently. It’s looking as if they are much tougher. They are much more up for the fight and it is all good news for Arsenal.”

Lucas Perez scored a hat-trick and Alex Iwobi also made it on to the score sheet, and Nicholas believes that the depth that Arsenal have is giving them an extra boost.

“Arsenal have got their swagger back and were in the groove,” he said. “He didn’t score tonight but Alexis Sanchez, alongside Mesut Ozil, was absolutely fabulous to watch.

“The players that came in also did well. Lucas Perez got a hat-trick, Alex Iwobi scored, Kieran Gibbs basically got three assists and Rob Holding also played well at the back. So it’s all good news and a happy December so far.”

Nicholas added: “The squad’s so strong. You’ve got Walcott on the bench, you’ve got Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been getting the nod ahead of the likes of Iwobi, who also grabbed a goal. Now Wenger’s got a fabulous headache.

“It’s amazing what a competitive edge does to a group because you don’t need to be the best of mates, but in training, you’ll feel the spirit, you’ll feel the togetherness and you’ll feel the endeavour that you’ve got to be at the top of your game to impress the manager.”

 

No excuses

Arsene Wenger: No panic

The former Scotland international insists the time is now for the Gunners to prove they are capable of winning trophies.

“There are no excuses for Arsenal anymore. You have the money, you have the capacity and you have the quality. It’s up to them to prove it and not just Arsene standing up in his loyal chair and saying I believe in these guys.

“They have to show it but I just feel that with this competitive edge and togetherness, it’s becoming a bit of a reality.”