Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang makes top-four claim

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang insists the squad have confidence in their ability to challenge for a top-four spot. The Gunners made it two wins from two as they edged past Burnley 2-1 at the Emirates in Saturday’s lunchtime kick off.

Aubameyang bagged his second of the term, having netted in the 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend, to get Arsenal over the line against the Clarets. Alexandre Lacazette had opened the scoring early on but Burnley were level by half time after Ashley Barnes struck for the third time this season.

Arsenal were the dominant side in the second period and that pressure finally told when Aubameyang slammed home with just over an hour played. Unai Emery took a gamble with his team selection as he drafted some of his summer recruits into the starting XI and one in particular stepped up to the plate.

Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos earned rave reviews as he set up both goals and he looks to be a shrewd addition. David Luiz also got the nod following his switch from Chelsea, while Nicolas Pepe was again handed the chance to earn minutes from the bench.

Liverpool are next on the agenda for Arsenal and Aubameyang, who has talked up their top-four credentials, feels they can head to Anfield full of confidence. “We started well today and it is good to start with two wins before we go to Liverpool, we feel confident and feel good,” Aubameyang told BT Sport.

“I think we feel stronger with players like David Luiz, Dani Ceballos, and [Nicolas] Pepe. We are sure we can fight for the top four.” Arsenal can be backed at 1.95 to finish the season in the top four, while they are priced at 29.00 to win the Premier League outright.