Former Gunners boss Unai Emery identifies turning point at Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has suggested a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United was the result that signalled the beginning of the end for him at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniard was sacked by the club in November after embarking on a dismal run of results, with Emery now admitting he lost his grip on the team.

Emery went on a run of seven games without a win, which gave the board little choice but to relieve him of his duties.

The 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt was the final straw, and Emery has pinpointed the loss to the Blades on October 21 as a significant point in his reign.

He told Guillem Balague: “The game against Sheffield United was a bit of a turning point.

“In one month everything got broken and we were incapable of winning a game in seven. The tension – which was based on the question we were asking of ‘what’s happening to us?’ – was like a rolling ball that was just getting bigger and bigger.

“The coach is the first person to come into the spotlight, I have lived this at other clubs but I have managed to conquer it by getting the team back on track.”

Arsenal were appalling at Bramall Lane, struggling to trouble United and looking uncomfortable in possession.

TBR’s view – Emery exposed

Sheffield United really exposed Emery, who appeared to lose his players after that result.

Over the coming weeks, more poor performances would follow – it was as though the experience at Bramall Lane had knocked the stuffing out of them, and the belief out of them in the manager.

Since Emery left though, the club have only won one game, which does suggest the problems run much deeper than just the manager.