After easing to 3-0 win over Ostersunds, midfielder Iwobi insists Arsenal are aiming for European berth by winning Europa and finishing in EPL Top-4
Arsenal's Nacho Monreal (right) celebrates after scoring against Ostersunds during the Europa League Last-32 tie on Thursday. Pic/AFP
Alex Iwobi insists Arsenal can win the Europa League and secure an unlikely spot in the Premier League's top four this season. The Gunners won 3-0 at Ostersunds on Thursday night to all-but secure a safe passage into the Last 16 of the Europa League.
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Gunners are favourites
They are one of the favourites to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United and lift the trophy, which will see them return to the Champions League after a season's absence. Arsene Wenger still wants to secure that return through the Premier League, although they could be as many as 11 points off the top four when they kick-off against runaway leaders Manchester City in their next league outing on March 1.
Alex Iwobi
Iwobi, too, feels it is possible to break back into the top four as well as claim Europa League glory. "We have to do our best in both competitions," he said. "That's what we are trying to do: get top four and also win this competition. That's the aim." The Nigeria international has started seven of eight games since he was pictured at a party the day before holders Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup at Nottingham Forest.
Big test ahead
Arsenal have the League Cup final against Manchester City three days later but Iwobi believes the tie is not yet over and that focus cannot shift to Wembley. "There is still a job to do and we have to do it at home. There is still half the tie to play," he added. "First we have to focus on Thursday, take each game step by step. We have to prepare one more game before that (final)."
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger felt the Gunners were able to capitalise on early nerves from Ostersunds. "We started well and controlled the game against a good side," Wenger was quoted saying by Goal.com. "They beat Hertha Berlin here, they drew 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao. You can see they're a quality team. Maybe we didn't push enough in the second half but it was job done in a serious game. They looked nervous at the start and we took advantage of it." However, Arsenal's position makes wholesale changes tempting for next week's return leg. "Maybe, we'll see. It's important for us to win at home and we will try to put out a team who will win it," Wenger added.
Seven
No. of games Arsenal are unbeaten in European competitions against Scandinavian opposition with five wins and two draws
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