Former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino feels Unai Emery’s Arsenal side can only be properly judged after they face Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.
Arsenal are on a 17-game unbeaten run in all competitions at the moment and again came from behind on Sunday to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at Dean Court.
The Gunners are lying fifth in the league table, just a point behind Chelsea in fourth, and Emery has earned widespread praise for the improvements he has brought about in a short period of time.
Cascarino admits that Arsenal have progressed under the new manager, but insisted that they still do not look like a team who could finish in the top four at the moment.
He believes Emery has made the Gunners a tough side to beat, but the former Chelsea and Marseille striker is keen to reserve his judgement until they face Tottenham next Sunday.
Cascarino wrote in his column for the Times: “I am impressed by Arsenal under Unai Emery, but I am reserving judgment until the north London derby.
“Yesterday’s was another good away win, the kind that they failed to get in the final years of Arsene Wenger’s reign, but Emery’s side have yet to record a standout win in the Premier League.
“Tottenham got one of those results to beat Chelsea on Saturday and while they drew with Liverpool, Arsenal have yet to make me go, ‘Wow, these guys can challenge for the top four now.’
“Emery has clearly made Arsenal tougher, more effective and clinical but we should reserve not draw conclusions until next weekend.”
Arsenal have missed out on top four for the last two seasons and are keen to return to Champions League football as soon as possible.
