How is Emery shaping up at Arsenal?

What is the state of Emery's Arsenal at this early point in the Premier League Season?

Unai Emery, the new Arsenal head coach, has been in charge for four games now.

His record stands as W2 L2, with eight goals scored and eight conceded.

The first two games were versus the record-breaking champions in Manchester City, and London rivals Chelsea.

The City game saw the champions win, but Arsenal was not battered out of sight. However, City was not in full gear, it must be said.

Chelsea may be warranted the win on the basis of more chances, though Arsenal put up a very good fight, and was unlucky to get a draw. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed some easy chances, which could have swung the game in Arsenal's favour.

The wins against West Ham and Cardiff City were not the easiest, though Arsenal's better strikeforce told in their match against the Irons. Defensive woes re-emerged at Cardiff, but Arsenal held far better-attacking options than Cardiff and left the Welsh capital deservedly with a win.

It's inevitable that comparisons with the latter Wenger tenure will be made. Emery's strengths are in some ways the opposite of the latter Wenger years' methodology. While Emery also believes in attacking football, he emphasises pressing, high energy, mental hardiness, and defined off the ball work. He also looks to analyse the opposition prior to games and produced well-defined game plans. This also includes in-game tactical changes, and his presence on the sidelines has been telling too.

Arsenal v West Ham United - Premier League — Emery's four games in charge have seen two wins and two losses

Arsene Wenger stands as Arsenal's greatest ever manager and has made Arsenal a global footballing institution. Nonetheless, there were some evident failings in the latter part of his tenure, and Emery's skillset can help reverse them, It's possibly too early to see how things can change since it's only four games at this point.

But what has altered? And how has Emery progressed things thus far?

Are we seeing an evolution from the end of Arsene Wenger's time?

In this article we will look at specific points, which come in contrast to the Wenger tenure as manager during 2012-2018.

Tactics

Playing from the back

Petr Cech was noted, in the Man City game, for nearly scoring an own-goal. This was in part due to playing from the back, and the implementation of this new style which he is finding difficult to master.

However, Cech made another error in the Cardiff game, and the defenders generally have also not fully adapted yet. The goal from Iwobi vs. Chelsea was from several passes, and all emanating from Cech, so it shows that the new style is paying some dividends. Nonetheless, it needs perfecting and this will take time to fully institute.

Pressing

The addition of Guendouzi has helped midfield pressing, and Xhaka and Ramsey have been very adept in this capacity. This was perhaps most evident vs. West Ham, and has progressed since then.

Alexandre Lacazette, who scored the winner at Cardiff City, stated lately that the team is eagerly adapting to Emery's style.

Tactics (continued)

Huddersfield Town v Arsenal - Premier League

Half-time changes

Wenger was often critiqued for not making half-time changes and only changing post-60 minutes in matches. This was not seen as opportune in changing games.

Emery has made changes at half-time and sought to alter formation and style, which is another thing that Wenger was called upon.

Constant touchline presence

This isn’t to knock Wenger at all. However, it was often said that he didn’t motivate players from the touchline as much as he could have. This is unfair in some cases, but it is not untrue. Emery, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. At all games thus far, he has been a near constant fixture at the technical area and giving instructions and guidance to the players.

This all adds to the meticulousness and attention to detail that Emery provides, or is noted for.

Off the pitch

Arsenal v Paris Saint Germain Pre Matchday Activity

Off the pitch/training

The club has released several vids on Youtube, detailing Emery and the players in training. These may not reveal any key details of course. However, players such as Mkhitaryan and Ramsey have said that they are benefitting from the new regime.

It’s clear that things are developing, and there is an apparent alteration from Wenger’s methods. Mustafi also made a statement – possibly as a dig towards Wenger, who knows? – that he now knows what to do and is receiving proper instruction and guidance.

No fruit juice

This has been called out in some quarters. Nonetheless, it is just an evolution of what Wenger himself introduced, with radical dietary shifts when he was first introduced.

Fruit juice was permitted before, but due to the high sugar content, Emery has ruled it out, instead favouring water.

This certainly lends to being as lean as possible, and being physically primed to perform.

Cardiff City v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Calling players out

The issue with Ozil is telling. But we don’t know for sure if there was a fight between him and Emery, or if he was indeed ill.

However, if there was a confrontation, then it shows that Emery is keen to ensure all players adhere to his philosophy. Emery himself said that Ozil had a cold - or "catarro" in Spanish. However, it is ultimately rooted in speculation, and it may or may not show that he doesn't pull punches when needed.

Learning on the job

He is indeed learning how to speak English, and this in contrast with Wenger, who is fluent in multiple languages and thus a polyglot.

However, Emery must be commended in adapting, and showing the willingness to advance his English skills. This is essential, especially given the complex details he wishes to convey tactically.

After the recent win at Cardiff, Emery seemed pretty lucid. He does occasionally need his interpreter, but it shows he's willing to get dug in, as it were. With improving English skills, it can bode well for relaying his plans to the players, and enhanced tactical skills.

So far so good?

It's too early to judge progress now, and not certainly after four games.

However, some promising green shoots have sprouted, which can bear fruit in times to come.

Some points to note include:

Can the defence improve their organisational play? Individual they are not bad players, but the collective effort needs enhancing.
Can Torreira start games, and can the overall midfield pressing intensify?
Will Lacazette and Aubameyang start together more often?
How will Ozil fare in this new style?
Will Leno replace Cech, if playing from the back is to remain?

Only time will tell concerning the above. However, some positive signs have arisen, which can warm the hearts of Arsenal fans.

Sol Campbell, part of the famous Invincibles side of 2004, gave these points on Emery, which mirror the key points made in this article.