Ex England international Stuart Pearce doesn’t believe Arsenal will make the top four this season.

The former defender thinks the Gunners should focus on cup competitions, like the Europa League, in order to have a successful campaign:

“I don’t think Arsenal can get in the top four this season. Therefore the cup games are vital for them.”

Unai Emery’s side have won five matches in a row in all competitions following a difficult start to the season under the new manager.

Despite their upturn in form, they are already six points off league leaders Liverpool after six games played. However, they are just one point off the top four and are level on points with rivals Tottenham.

Up next for Arsenal are Brentford in the Carabao Cup. Gunners boss Emery has already indicated that trophies are the priority this campaign so it will be interesting to see how strong a line up he picks against the Bees tomorrow evening.

Previous coach Arsene Wenger used to use the competition to give debuts to young players, and we will have to wait and see if the new head coach goes with a different approach.