Sam Allardyce says Arsenal are in Premier League relegation fight: ‘They’ll be wondering what’s hit them’
West Bromwich Albion manager hopes tricky festive run against Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal will provide a chance to drag his side out of the mire at the bottom of the table — at the Gunners’ expense
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce believes Arsenal's dismal start to the Premier League season has left them in a fight to remain in the English top flight.
Allardyce's 19th-placed side are also in the thick of the relegation battle and host Arsenal on 2 January, following clashes with champions Liverpool and promoted Leeds United in the busy festive period.
Asked if Arsenal - who are 15th with 14 points after making their worst start to a season since 1974/75 - were among their rivals to avoid the drop, Allardyce said: "If they're in the bottom eight at the moment, yes. Absolutely."
Former England boss Allardyce said that Arsenal's League Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City in Tuesday's 4-1 quarter-finals defeat would have further affected the morale of Mikel Arteta's side.
Arsenal have lost five of their last seven league games.
"Getting beaten again ... though it's not in the league - as it does with our players, drains the confidence of Arsenal's players. Of course it will," Allardyce said.
"They'll be wondering what's hit them, they'll be wondering why they're down there. They'll be wondering what it's going to take to get out of that position.
"I know what it takes, I hope I can convince the players to respond to what I say on what it takes to get out of it. I hope we can push at Arsenal when they play us ... and try and beat them or anybody in the bottom eight."
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments