EPL: Emery takes a swipe at Wenger for neglecting key area in Arsenal
Arsenal manager, Unai Emery has taken a swipe at the club’s former boss, Arsene Wenger, for neglecting defensive structure while Arsenal were in decline towards the end of his tenure.
Wenger stepped down as manager after 22-year with the Gunners, and many believe the 69-year-old tarnished his reign by staying on for as long as he did in north London.
The last of Wenger’s three Premier League titles came in 2003/04 and only FA Cup trophies and Community Shields followed until his departure in the summer.
However, Emery has had an impressive start to the season despite opening defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, leading Arsenal on an 11-match winning streak between August and October.
When asked to define the man he replaced, Emery told Marca, “Before Wenger came, Arsenal celebrated 1-0 and were based on defensive solidity.
“With Arsene, joy came from attacking, with players of good standing. And the perfect combination was the Invincibles.
“But over time, only technical quality and offensive freedom were taken care of, losing the defensive structure.
“What I want is to unite both essences and be more competitive. Arsenal was in decline. We had to stop it and start climbing.”
