One of the biggest challenges for Unai Emery this season is changing the perception that Arsenal fold easily under pressure. Stephen Kelly thinks they are already showing signs of improvement.
Speaking on Monday's OTB AM, the former Ireland international said Emery is slowly changing the culture.
“He is trying to make them accountable, you can see that with the likes of Ozil last season. He played him for a good bit but then it got to the point where he just decided he wasn't going to play him.
“To do that to the highest-paid player at the club is a big statement from him. He's showing that regardless of what is going on behind the scenes, he is the one who is making the decisions," Kelly said.
Despite only playing Newcastle United and Burnley so far this season, he was impressed with how they're shaping up offensively.
“Aubameyang first game of the season his movement off the ball was amazing, same again on the weekend.
“They do have the makings of what could be a very good attacking threat; defensively it’s whether they can hold out.
“To win the way they did 2-1 and hold on, sometimes they’d be bullied and end up losing that game or drawing it, so it is a step forward, " the former Reading full-back said.
Photo Credit: Yui Mok PA ImagesWithstanding the pressure
As well as the likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette, he was also impressed on Saturday with the performance of new boy Dani Ceballos.
“It was a standout performance, he [Ceballos] was excellent in all areas and his assists were excellent.
“If you want to do well in this league you need someone who can get you 20-plus goals and Aubameyang can do that.
While in the past Arsenal would have found a way to throw it away against Burnley, Kelly feels it was a huge positive that they didn't.
“Burnley does offer a more physical strike force than most teams and Arsenal did stand up to them.
“For Arsenal and the way they have been known as sheepish and that they wilt slightly, it’s been two good wins for them," he said.
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