Four pressing issues for Unai Emery as former PSG, Sevilla, and Valencia boss takes the reigns at Arsenal

Sport360 staff 13:31 23/05/2018
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  • Former Paris St Germain boss Unai Emery has been confirmed as Arsenal‘s new head coach.

    Here, we look at four pressing issues on his Emirates Stadium arrival.

    Learn from Manchester United’s troubles

    Not since Sir Alex Ferguson retired has the Premier League seen such an upheaval behind the scenes at one of its top clubs. David Moyes was unable to extend Ferguson’s era of unrivalled Manchester United success, however, and failed to last a single season in the Old Trafford hot seat.

    So as Emery takes the Gunners’ helm, the Spaniard must heed Moyes’ cautionary tale on how not to receive the baton from a managerial titan. Rather than simply fit into an existing system, Emery must reorganise his Arsenal resources to fit his own mould – and usher in an entirely new era for the club.

    Anything less could see him forever caught in Wenger’s shadow, befalling the very same fate as Moyes.

    David Moyes' ill-fated stint at Manchester United is a cautionary tale.

    David Moyes’ ill-fated stint at Manchester United is a cautionary tale.

    Build a new spine for Arsenal’s starting XI

    Arsenal’s soft centre was continually exposed in the latter years of Wenger’s lengthy reign. For the Gunners to climb back to the top of the Premier League pile, Emery must imbue his starting line-up with long-absent steel. That means – at a minimum – finding natural leaders to feature in goal, central defence and defensive midfield. Not since Arsenal’s 2004 Invincibles had a Wenger side truly boasted such a robust core.

    The Xhaka-Ramsey duo has had mixed results as the midfield pivot.

    The Xhaka-Ramsey duo has had mixed results as the midfield pivot.

    Assert authority at every level

    The capture of recruitment specialist Sven Mislintat from Borussia Dortmund back in November has been viewed as something of a coup for Arsenal’s future transfer plans. But Emery will have to work hard to ensure the club shares his vision for reshaping the Gunners’ frontline squad.

    Without harmony across the hierarchy, Arsenal will struggle to push themselves forward and improve upon this term’s sixth-place Premier League finish.

    Emery needs to assert his authority at Arsenal.

    Emery needs to assert his authority at Arsenal.

    Get the best out of Mesut Özil

    Polarised opinion over Germany playmaker Özil’s strengths and weaknesses served as a lightning rod for wider criticism of Wenger’s last days at Arsenal. So devastating in international football, yet so often viewed as an under-performing luxury at his club, the frustration around Özil mirrored Arsenal fans’ ire with Wenger.

    The 29-year-old signed a new three-year deal in January, retained at the club when fellow premium asset Alexis Sanchez departed for Manchester United. The Gunners have again put their trust in Özil – and now Emery must ensure that faith winds up well placed.

    The jury is still out on Mesut Ozil after five seasons at Arsenal.

    The jury is still out on Mesut Ozil after five seasons at Arsenal.

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