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Dimitar Berbatov predicts a “surprise result” as Arsenal face Chelsea in a London derby on Boxing day, despite the Gunners’ recent troubles.
The Gunners were roundly beaten 4-1 in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, heaping more pressure on manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are now without a domestic win since a 1-0 victory at Manchester United on November 1 and sit 15th in the Premier League table heading into a Boxing Day London derby at home to Chelsea.
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However, former Manchester United striker Berbatov reckons Arsenal will “pick themselves up” and get a win against Frank Lampard’s side.
“Arsenal are in real trouble but I still think Mikel Arteta can turn things around at the Emirates,” Berbatov told Betfair.
“Last week, I said Arteta deserved more time but since then they suffered two more defeats – admittedly in difficult matches away to Everton in the Premier League and in last night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
“The Gunners are showing some fight on the pitch, but they are still not playing anywhere near the level demanded of them. Arteta is a young coach and you could say he was lucky to get the opportunity to manage Arsenal.
“I support those kind of appointments because I know how difficult it is for young coaches to get their chance to show what they can do. Arteta came to Arsenal at a difficult moment for the club and he needs more time to turn it around.
“His old boss Pep Guardiola has said Arteta shouldn’t be fired and I’m not going to argue with Pep.”
Berbatov added: “Arsenal need to pick themselves up quickly for their big Boxing Day clash against Chelsea.
“I can see a surprise result here, with the Gunners winning. Their fortunes have to change at some point and a London derby, against the team they beat in last season’s FA Cup final, could give them the motivation to raise their game.”
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