Jamie Carragher gives his verdict on Unai Emery’s reign at Arsenal so far
Jamie Carragher has admitted that he has been disappointed with Unai Emery’s impact at Arsenal so far.
The Spanish head coach is over 18 months into his spell in charge of the north London outfit.
Emery replaced Arsene Wenger at The Emirates back in May 2018 after the Gunners finished outside the top four.
However, the former Valencia head coach failed to guide Arsenal to a Champions League spot last term.
Emery was given significant backing in the summer transfer window, completing the club record £72m signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille.
But Arsenal started the weekend in fifth place following a 1-0 loss to promoted side Sheffield United on Monday night.
Although the Gunners have plenty of firepower up front, Arsenal haven’t resolved their issues in defence.
Former Liverpool FC defender Carragher says there hasn’t been a radical change since Emery took charge.
“No-one was demanding a radical culture shift with Arsenal abandoning Wenger’s attacking beliefs, but we certainly hoped for more than witnessed so far,” Carragher told The Telegraph.
“What are Arsenal supposed to be? A more consistent version of Wenger’s side? Are they a pressing or counter-attacking team?
“Now the club is entering another key period, after which it will become clearer if Emery is capable of changing perceptions of this Arsenal team.
“Between December 15 and New Year’s Day, Arsenal face Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United. They also travel to Everton. There will be no patience for repeated lacklustre away days.”
Arsenal will face Crystal Palace at The Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are in fifth place in the Premier League table and 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool FC.
Arsenal signed six new players in the summer to overhaul Emery’s squad after a fifth-placed finish last term.
The north London outfit were 3-2 winners against Portuguese side Vitoria in the Europa League on Thursday night.
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