Arsenal 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur: 4 Things we learnt from the North London derby

#1 The Unai Emery revolution is well and truly underway

The Unai Emery revolution is gathering steam

Unai Emery arrived at Arsenal with massive shoes to fill. He had to replace one of the best managers ever, who had made Arsenal the footballing power it is. With many questioning if the Spaniard was the right appointment, Emery needed results and he needed them quick. And boy, has he done that.

Arsenal currently find themselves on the right side of a 19-match unbeaten run. Having drawn against Liverpool during this run, Emery needed a ‘statement victory’ and it came in the form of a masterclass against their arch-rivals.

The Spaniard has often lamented the Gunners’ lack of sharpness at the start of games. However, on Sunday, Arsenal raced out of the blocks and immediately pressurised the Spurs defence and midfield into making mistakes. The front three of Iwobi, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan ‘pressed’ relentlessly and were rewarded with a goal for their troubles.

Although the Gunners unluckily fell behind to Tottenham, Emery never panicked. The Spaniard tweaked his system at half-time and it worked a charm. The new triumvirate of Ramsey, Lacazette and Aubameyang tore the Spurs defence to shreds.

The shift in the system was a refreshing change for Gooners who had become used to only one style of football under Wenger’s later years.

Moreover, the Spaniard used no less than three systems through the course of the match, constantly plotting his opposite number’s downfall. Thus, for the first time in years, Arsenal displayed a tactical flexibility.

The Emirates was as loud as it has been for quite a few years and Emery is a major contributor. The terraces radiated as much energy as the characters on the pitch.

After weeks of impressive displays, Emery finally has the first substantial victory of his tenure. The Emery Era, which many believed to really kick in at the start of the second season is well ahead of schedule. While the talk of a title challenge is still premature, Arsenal fans wouldn’t mind if the ‘Unai Revolution’ is as exhilarating and effervescent as this.

As for the decision the club hierarchy made in terms of Wenger’s replacement, it’s safe to say that they probably got it right.