Arsenal failed to take all three points in Portugal despite leading 1-0 heading into the 90th minute. The Gunners conceded a late goal in Northern Portugal to be pegged back by Vitoria S.C. and patience with Unai Emery seems to be wearing thin.
Given the clubs comfortable position in their Europa League group, the result wasn’t a complete disaster but it was another lacklustre and concerning display, which has led to #emeryoutnow trending on social media platform Twitter following the immediate aftermath of the final whistle.
The atmosphere in and around the Emirates Stadium is reminiscent of that people would refer to during the end of Arsene Wenger’s tenure and Emery’s back is up against the wall.
By the time the Gunners leave the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening, they could be nine points behind Brendan Rodgers’ side leaving their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in the balance.
The Spaniard’s inability to create an identity or improve results since he arrived has been a real concern for the clubs loyal supporters and as every week passes his reputation diminishes rapidly.
Why pulling the trigger on Emery immediately is in the best interests of the club…
Emery’s divisive nature has seen a breakdown in his relationship with Mesut Ozil have a detrimental effect on the team. The team’s inability to create with regularity has been a constant criticism thrown at the former Paris Saint-Germain manager who claimed Ozil was undeserving of a place in the squad just weeks before turning to him in desperate need of some creative spark.
Add to that his handling of the Granit Xhaka situation which has, at best, been questionable and you have a manager who clearly lacks the ability to manage and maintain key player relationships.
The football has been uninspiring, ineffective and is of complete contrast to the brand Arsene Wenger embedded throughout the club. His tactics seem unclear and there have been reports of the players expressing concern in regards to what they’re being asked to do on a weekly basis.
All these transgressions could be forgiven if, at least on the field, things under Emery had improved but the harsh reality is they haven’t and Arsenal are in danger of losing sight of the values the club strived to uphold for so many years.
Showing Emery the door now would almost certainly provide the type of up-lift Manchester United experienced when Jose Mourinho was sacked last season. The club would then need to begin a long and thorough search for his successor but an internal solution like Freddie Ljungberg, somebody extremely popular and respected by the group, could help steady the ship at least temporarily.