Words and pictures by Holly Allison
The departure of ex Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was called for by fans for years, so when it was announced he was to leave the club last year, it was a sigh of relief for many. Fans knew it would give the club an opportunity to compete for the league in future seasons. But what exactly has changed under new manager Unai Emery?
For anyone whose watched an Arsenal game this season it is easy to notice one major change surrounding the manager. A proper pitch side presence. In previous seasons you could watch a whole game where Wenger would not get off the bench, and when he would, there was a real lack of passion. Emery is constantly up throwing instructions to his players and it looks like it’s improved the team.
Ex-Arsenal manager during the UEFA Europa League match with AC Milan last season
Arsenal manager Unai Emery during the premier league game with Cardiff City
This season under Unai Emery’s team starting line-up has undergone major changes. Compared to previous seasons under previous manager Arsene Wenger, there are no guaranteed starters, and he has regularly benched big name players such as Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey this season.
Arsenals Aaron Ramsey is substituted for Mesut Ozil during the premier league match with Southampton
Arsenals Aaron Ramsey takes his seat on the bench.
This season has seen an increase in aggression, with the North London side making more tackles and fouls than last season. This season the Gunners are currently making 6.4 fouls a game, compared to 6.07 last season, and 16.76 tackles per game compared to 16.39. This increase has seen the team increase their pressing and retaining possession much quicker than before.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey and Wolverhampton’s Jonny Castro in action during the premier league match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arsenal’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos fouls Bournemouths Ryan Fraser
The signing of Matteo Guendouzi was a surprise to many fans, with no one knowing who he was prior to his signing with the gunners. He fit the profile of a typical Arsene Wenger player, being a young French player who has only just started his career. There were concerns that he would become like them, and be deadwood like Yaya Sanogo.
However, further surprise came when he was named among the starting eleven at the start of the season in the opening five games of the season, rather than Lucas Torreira, and proved his potential. His involvement in the side is a great advert for young players looking to join the Gunners.
Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi and Huddersfield’s Jonas Lössl in action during a premier league match
This season, the players appear to be happier while playing. When you watch the team play you regularly see the players with a smile on their face and having a much better squad relationship. Players seem to put more trust into each other, with Alexandre Lacazette thriving in recent weeks as a result of his trust in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action against FC BATE
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