After seven games without a Premier League win, Arsenal have finally parted ways with struggling manager Unai Emery
Emery was appointed Arsenal manager 18 months ago after Arsene Wenger stepped down. The Spanish manager was coming in with a good footballing CV. He had won the Ligue 1 with PSG as well as three consecutive Europa Leagues with Sevilla.
In his first season at Arsenal, he showed some promising signs. He went on a 20 match unbeaten streak and guided Arsenal to the Europa League final. Unfortunately, they didn’t win it but it was their first European final since 2006. They finished fifth in the table, one point outside of the top four which gave Gunners fans hope that they had the right man.
This summer he spent £130 million on new signings bringing in Nicolas Pepe for £70 million as well as Kieran Tierney and David Luiz. It looked as if Emery has brought in the right signings and this season would be a good one for them. Unfortunately for him, Pepe hasn’t hit the ground running with many questioning such a high price tag.
Fast forward to the end of November and Arsenal are in an awful situation. They haven’t won in their last seven games, their worst run since 1992 and the pressure has been building for a while. No Premier League win for 54 days and losing 2-1 last night to Eintracht Frankfurt seemed to be the final straw.
Emery turned up for training this morning as normal but was greeted with the news of his departure. For the meantime assistant manager and Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has been put in temporary charge. The Swede will be hoping to close the eight-point gap on the top four whilst the board look for a permanent choice.
But who is favourite for the manager’s role?
Arsene Wenger lasted 21 years.
Unai Emery lasted 18 months. pic.twitter.com/WJK3oHcDoA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 29, 2019
Ljungberg – 5/2 (Betfred)
The ex-Arsenal player has been promoted from Under 23’s manager last year now to temporary first-team manager. He may not have any first-team managerial experience but it could be another story like Solskjaer. If he gets the team playing well and can get on a good run, can the board really turn him down? He knows all the youth team players so don’t be surprised to see them feature aswell.
Nuno Espirito Santo – 3/1 (Betfred)
The Wolves manager was being touted for the Spurs job only a week ago. He has done fantastically well at Wolves, especially considering the budget he has at the club. His side plays some fantastic football and most teams would be happy to have him as their manager. Wolves though, like Arsenal, have progressed through to the next round of the Europa League. It may be tough to get him now and trying in the summer may be their best option.
Max Allegri – 3/1 (Betfred)
The ex-Juventus manager has apparently made it clear he’s keen for the Arsenal job. Many fans were calling for him to get the job after Wenger left last year. Allegri is a big name in world football and with experience of winning the league with Juventus, he could be just what the club needs.
Mikel Arteta – 6/1 (Betfred)
Ex-Arsenal captain and now assistant to Pep, Arteta could turn out to be a fantastic appointment should he get the job. Having played at the club before he knows exactly how it works. Working with Pep for the last three years is only going to have a positive effect on him. A risky move, if made by the board, but one that could be a genius idea.
Mauricio Pochettino – 6/1 (Betfred)
Surely he wouldn’t, would he? The now ex-Spurs manager is currently free to join anyone. You could think his loyalties to Spurs would mean he’d reject the job. But after the way he was treated and not given another chance at Spurs, this could be a great way to get back at Levy!
