A New Era For Arsenal

Arsenal had one of the toughest opening games in the new premier league season. Knowing that they had their first ever change of management since 1996, made it it even more intriguing. Well, they lost their opening game 2-0 at home to the English Champions, Manchester City and 3-2 to arguably the biggest club in London, Chelsea.

Arsenal fans demanded more from the club, after a "disappointing" season last year. Not qualifying for the Champions League for the second year running, only managed to win "one" Premier League game away from home in 2018, and failed to win any trophies (despite having a good run on the League Cup, and Europa League). It is understandable to think that way from a fan's perspective. Arsenal is one of England's top teams but they have been producing "mediocrity" for the past 3 years.

Disappointed Arsenal skipper after losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich in (2015)

When Arsenal moved to a new stadium in 2006, they were expecting a new era, an era that will turn the club into a super club like Bayern Munich or Barcelona. Sadly, the stadium debt "is" one of the reasons for the club's downfall. Since 2007, Arsenal sold a number of their key players and invested on players that were "not up to their standards". We've seen Arsenal's key players like Samir Nasri left for Manchester City in 2011, Thierry Henry left for Barcelona in 2007 and who could forget Robin Van Persie to Manchester United for just £22.5 million in 2012 which left fans outraged . In comparison to today's transfer market, Robin Van Persie could be valued at £55 - £65 million, now that's good business for Manchester United

Robin Van Persie celebrating against Arsenal (2013) Source: Sky Sports

Don't get me wrong, Arsenal did managed to sign some quality players for a reasonable price and produce brilliant youth players over the years. Arsene Wenger (ex Arsenal coach) has a tight policy when it comes to signing players. A man with his experience knows their true market values rather than blindly splash the cash for an average player. However, Wenger's transfer policy has been criticize by fans over the years and is deemed to be a "cheapskate" move for a manager.

"Spend, Spend, Spend" - Arsenal Fans. Source: Daily Mirror

With all the problems in the club, some fans might think by bringing in a new coach, Arsenal will instantly head back on top, competing with the big boys like Manchester City and Liverpool. Reforming a new mentality is not simple when you have a highly influential coach like Arsene Wenger, whom has been at the club since 1996. Even Manchester United are still struggling today, when Sir Alex left the club in 2013.

Source: Football Fan Cast

Fans should not criticize Unai Emery (Arsenal's new head coach), based on the first 2 opening games. Manchester City and Chelsea are a class above Arsenal for the past 2 years. Though, Arsenal's new tactics and game plan is somewhat noticeable, and it's great to see the team tried something new. Emery's tactics emphasize more on team pressing, similar to what he implemented when he was in PSG.

Arsenal's Team Press. Source: Daily Mail

Pressing for the ball requires good awareness and a good work rate otherwise the opponent will exploit the team's man marking . That's exactly what happened in the Manchester City game, Arsenal were very offensive with the team press, players like Xhaka and Ramsey lost their man mark which left the defense vulnerable towards Manchester City's forwards.

Unai Emery (Arsenal's new head cach) Source: Sky Sports

Arsenal has a long road ahead in order to be as successful as they were before. Arsenal fans should not expect instant success from the new manager. Despite losing 2 game in a row, there are lots of positives to take from the match and Arsenal's pressing game is one of them. Emery is building back the team's confidence and they need the fan's support. Stay strong Arsenal Fan, have faith on your new coach.