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Arsenal need 'a miracle' to win Premier League in Emery's first season - Kanu

Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu says it would be "a miracle" if Arsenal win the Premier League in their first season under Unai Emery, but that he's been encouraged by the Spaniard's approach so far.

Kanu urged fans to be patient with Emery but also stressed the importance of winning a trophy right away, even if the league may be out of reach.

"We have to give him time for him to bring his own style and the way he wants to play," Kanu told Press Association Sport. "It takes time for the newcomers, the new signings, to adapt, but if it happens and they win the league it's a miracle -- I wish that would happen.

"The only thing the fans want is for them to win the league. For the new manager it's going to be a very big challenge; the fans want them to perform in the league in his first year, which is always difficult for a new coach.

"First, second or third is successful. It's a very big club -- coming into a big club you need a trophy, so if you don't win the league, you need to win the others. It's hard, but that's what you expect of a coach of that stature and a big club."

Arsenal have made five signings this summer, most of them aimed at shoring up a notoriously leaky defence, which Kanu says is the right approach.

"He's been signing new, good players," he said. "They're more defensive, and not allowing goals, which is good. They have to know how to win games, even if it's 1-0. All they need is the three points."

The former Nigeria international was also optimistic about Arsenal's attack and said Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the kind of forward that gives the club a chance at fighting for the biggest titles.

"Aubameyang's very, very good," he said. "Last season was his first season; now he has adjusted to the Premier League. He's been playing very well with the new coach and his teammates; this season is going to be his season, if he works for it.

"They have other players who can also do that, but if he can perform, if it's a good season for him, they have a chance to win the league."