What a week it’s been for the Arsenal! The squad looked spineless in midweek and now they’re back in the top four and flying high. Unai Emery is beginning to prove his vision can be achieved.

Their 2-0 win against United on Sunday handed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his first domestic defeat since he took the reins at Old Trafford. Yes, there was a controversial penalty and a mistake by David De Gea, but tactically Emery got it spot on.

The way he set up the side had his opposite number changing his shape almost straight away, and that handed the advantage to Arsenal. A team is always best playing in the system they prepared before the game and Emery’s was the one that won the battle, causing Solskjaer to scrap his plans.

Emery’s Arsenal have impressed at times this season, but there’ve also been days where it’s been hard to see how the manager will implement his system with this set of players. It’s clear investment is needed, but the board seemingly aren’t willing to provide it, and that’s thrown doubts over the suitability of a manager who would require a partial squad overhaul.

However, his methods haven’t been doubted as much as, say, Maurizio Sarri’s have over at Chelsea and that’s a testament to the Spaniard. It’s clear to see the fast, attacking style he’s trying to play and it’s been earning them enough results to delay the moans until he can sign back-up in the summer.

This isn’t Emery’s ideal team and Sunday’s won’t have been his perfect performance but it’s a step forward and everyone can see it. It was always going to be hard taking over after the long tenure of Arsene Wenger, but his disappointing last few seasons in charge have settled expectations for the new man to be given patience.

If the United game is anything to go by, expect Arsenal’s squad next year to be yet another step up, by winning more big games, and maybe even push closer to the title.

Arsenal fans, who do you think Unai Emery should sign in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below.