Suddenly, after only two games of his Premier League career, the knives are out and the vultures are circling over the head of Unai Emery. Questions over tactics and team selection have put the Spaniard firmly under the microscope with pundits and a section of the Arsenal faithful.
Yes, ok, there were problems in the opening fixture but Arsenal were up against an established City side who dominated the League last term. City didn’t just stumble upon a pattern and style of play that has left their rivals playing catch up. Guardiola and City had to invest time and a lot of money to become runaway champions and they are now recognised, deservedly so, as the best team in the country.
So to judge Emery at this stage, so early into the campaign is the domain of fools and the preserve of the ignorant. Emery has more work to do than anyone has a right to, but after 10 years of inconsistency and underachievement, the adjustments were never going to be minimal or requiring a mild tweak.
It may well be another topsy-turvy season that has as many high points as it has lows and patience is going to be a virtue. If we are going to judge Emery by Wenger’s first spell, then it will be a failure because the Frenchman came in at a time where Premier League football was in its relative infancy.
The game has developed and the majority of teams have all managed to improve to a level where it is possibly one of the most difficult and competitive leagues in the World. The assumption that a manager would be able to impose his thoughts and tactics upon a team in such a short space of time after 22 years under another manager is complete lunacy.
As Manchester United discovered, the transition from the Ferguson era was painful and full of problems. David Moyes was never allowed sufficient time to make the role his own and United ran out of patience far too quickly.
Had that been the case for Moyes predecessor, then the success Ferguson enjoyed throughout his long tenure would never have transpired. Even the great Scot struggled until his academy players made the grade and it was only then, that he managed to create a dynasty that would see both the manager and club achieve unparalleled success in the modem game.
The problem is that expectations are unrealistic and Emery like anyone else needs to fully assess his squad this season and make the necessary adjustments in the next transfer window. It’s not a quick fix and it certainly won’t be overnight but the Arsenal board must have been prepared for the fall out from Wenger’s dismissal. Disgruntled fans got their wish and Wenger was forced out, now it’s all about dealing with the consequences. Be careful what you wish for.
