5 upgrades at Arsenal under Unai Emery

#3 Positioning

In the 2017-18 Premier League season, Arsenal conceded a total of 51 goals in 38 matches. This sum was even more than Burnley (39) and Newcastle United (47). To cut short this goal-against figure the ratio of 1.34 goals per game was the preliminary goal of the newly appointed boss.

Unai identified lack of positional discipline as the chief factor for Arsenal’s poor defense. Under Wenger’s free-flowing football philosophy many players repeatedly went too far away from their expected positions hence leaving spaces for the opposing teams to exploit.

Average Arsenal players position against Liverpool on 22 December 2017 (under Wenger) and 3 November 2018 (under Unai Emery)

An insight into the average positions of Arsenal players in the game against Liverpool last season clearly demonstrates team’s lack of shape and players’ positional sense. Under Wenger, the home team ended up allowing football to cross the goal line on three instances.

On the contrary when the average positions of gunners (under Unai Emery) against the same counterpart is taken into account; a substantial enhancement can be witnessed. Unai installed positional discipline into the team. The shape of the team looks more organized. New Uruguayan signing Torreira has been a sensation since his arrival.

His partnership with Xhaka provides extra stability in the midfield. Under the Emery management, both the players look more disciplined in defensive duties. The effect of the duo was so massive that they were able to keep Liverpool’s three men midfield on the back foot for most of the time.

A defined role to midfielders has also provided extra liberty to the German talisman, Mesut Ozil. The World Cup winner was able to provide 4 key passes in the latest match against Red team from the Merseyside. This figure was three better than last season meeting between the same Premier League giants at the Emirates stadium.