Ian Wright has hailed “magnificent” Arsenal manager Unai Emery and revealed why he is so excited about his former club ahead of their Wednesday night clash at Manchester United.
The Gunners legend claimed supporters are now upbeat and optimistic about their side ahead of marquee matches and that is a major change from the final years of the Arsene Wenger era.
Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League after a 19-match unbeaten run and will soar 11 points clear of United if they triumph at Old Trafford.
“Whatever happens to Arsenal, the one thing you can guarantee now is a performance and that’s a great position to be in,” Wright told the Sun. “That’s the difference now under Unai Emery — you know the team are going to perform.
“When Emery arrived, a new manager in a new country, he had a heck of a job on, there was so much to put right. I’m not saying for one minute he’s achieved all that yet, but you can’t deny he’s been magnificent — or the progress they have made under him.”
OPINION
Arsenal fans were some of the most pessimistic and downbeat around in recent years. They were apathetic, frustrated, bored, even. That has changed in recent months as Emery has galvanised a group of players who had been treading water for so long. Suddenly, Gooners everywhere are excited and captivated by their team’s transformation. Marquee fixtures – such as the home league clashes against Tottenham and Liverpool which produced such impressive performances – are now to be enjoyed rather than endured. Supporters heading to Manchester are convinced their team can secure a famous win. As Wright points out, they know the players will be well drilled and in a place to deliver the goods. If there are any bumps or scrapes along the way, the manager has the decisiveness and tactical nous to change things quickly, as he did to such dramatic effect in the north London derby.