Charlie Nicholas gives optimistic assessment of where the Arsenal project currently is

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Arsenal have recently undergone a period of great change. Last summer, Unai Emery took over as manager, after Arsene Wenger had been at the helm for 22 years. Then, after a decade in north London, chief executive Ivan Gazidis made the switch to AC Milan. More recently, Stan Kroenke became the first 100% owner of the club in the Gunners’ history. 

Now, though, the period of transition is over. Emery has had a year to settle in at the Emirates Stadium. His squad has been overhauled. The club are currently in their third season without Champions League football and that needs to change this time around.

Former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas is optimistic that Emery’s project is now set for success. In his recent Sky Sports Premier League predictions column, Nicholas said, “I think what Unai Emery has now after a year is very promising…He has identified that they are weak at the back, and that is going to take time so he will try to improve that. To counteract that he needs a plan B and that is to score as many goals as they can…He has a project at Arsenal that he trusts and believes he can go somewhere”.

TBR’s view

Emery has certainly benefitted from a productive summer transfer window. Arsenal’s squad currently looks stronger and more balanced than it has done in years. However, they have still to answer the questions that remain from last season. Can they be consistently solid at the back? Can they improve their away form? They got off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park last week.

However, should Arsenal fall short of the top four this time around, Emery will surely pay with his job. The Spanish coach simply cannot afford to fail. It is vital that he can have an impact on the training ground to improve his team’s defensive solidity and away record.