Paul Merson says Arsenal’s players are still fighting for Unai Emery after comeback win

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Paul Merson feels Arsenal manager Unai Emery saved himself from severe pressure by overseeing yesterday’s 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa.

As per Sky Sports, Merson was fearful about what would happen to Emery if they lost to Villa so soon after blowing a 2-2 lead at Watford but feels the Gunners squad is still fighting for their manager.

He said: “I thought Unai Emery was under severe pressure if they’d got beaten. When you get the sack, it’s because the players don’t fancy you. They had ten men, came out and scored three goals – he hasn’t lost them. They’re listening to him.

“Credit where it’s due – to come back and score three with ten men was a feat. Beating Villa is a big win. After the week before at Watford, to look like they were going to get beat by Villa… it wouldn’t have been good. It papers over the cracks though for another week.”

TBR’s View – Merson’s right, Arsenal’s players are still fighting for Emery

Being a goal and a man down at half time looked like a nightmare scenario for a team who snatched a draw from the jaws of victory in their previous Premier League game.

If Arsenal’s players weren’t playing for their manager or wanting to get him the sack, they’d have chucked the towel in there and then.

But they didn’t; which shows that there is still faith in what Emery is trying to do and energy in the team to try and make it happen.

They’ve made a meal of it but Arsenal have followed up the Watford debacle with a win in Europe and a win in the Premier League, showing spirit and resilience in the process. That’s all they could have done.