It’s been a funny old season for Arsenal. At points they’ve underperformed, and at others they’ve looked better than ever, and with that back and forth over the last few months, they now find themselves in a genuine race for the top-four. It’s been a while since the Gunners were competitive amongst the top 4 teams in the Premier League, but they’ve certainly got a chance this term.
That’s due in large part to Unai Emery. Since he replaced Arsene Wenger in the summer, Arsenal have certainly entered a new era, and despite the fact that it’s only his first season in England, he’s already made a significant impact.
Winterburn said: “We’re seeing different scenarios with Unai Emery: team selections, formations, substitutions at half-time. But the more important thing is it looks like the team are together and there’s a driving force there.”
He continued: “There’s a good feeling around the stadium which was not there last season.”
Certainly, towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s tenure, negativity seemed to take over the airwaves and the terraces. Wenger was creating an army of discontented fans, and regardless of how well the Gunners did, that was only going to stick the moment anything went wrong.
With his departure and the arrival of the new manager, Emery has been able to start with a clean slate, and whilst there have been some rumblings of discontent, for the most part, the Gunners have really turned it around this season.
The fact that they are in with a chance of finishing in the top four, really, is a bonus. They weren’t expected to improve so dramatically, and so it’s impressive that Unai Emery has been able to make such an impact so quickly.
It goes to show just how far a good mindset can take a team.
Thoughts?
