Comparing Unai Emery and Wenger
"Emery has brought a different dimension to Arsenal that perhaps wasn’t there before under Wenger. Emery has got Arsenal playing with high intensity, putting pressure on their opposition when they lose the ball and ensuring a quick transition from defence to attack. Wenger always ensured his side had a greater focus on possession of the ball.
"Emery didn’t let the two early defeats to Man City and Chelsea effect the players’ mentality, and they’re now on a fantastic run."
On players' progress under a new manager
"Emery has made Arsenal’s star players fight for their positions again and we’re seeing that by dropping Ozil at the weekend. Players can get too comfortable when working under the same manager for a long period of time, which could have been the issue with Wenger. Every player knows exactly what Emery is trying to achieve, and the part they play in making it happen."
On what would be a successful first season for the Spaniard:
"I think winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League would be a successful season for Arsenal. It would be unfair for the club or the fans to expect more from Emery in his first season. Emery has the experience of winning European trophies, so I expect Arsenal to be real contenders in this year’s competition."
On a new era under Emery
"Emery won’t be able to create a dynasty at Arsenal if he is compared to Wenger. If the club and fans expect too much from Emery too quick, then they are destined to fail. Arsenal need to start regularly qualifying for the Champions League again before considering competing with the top of the Premier League.
"If Emery doesn’t make steady progress over the next three of four years, then he will start to receive criticism, but his only priority this year is to get back in the Champions League. This is a new era for Arsenal who haven’t had a change for 22 years, so it’s going to take time."
On Wenger future
"Wenger will be itching to get back in to football and I’m sure we’ll see him managing somewhere new very soon. He will have a lot of choices, but he’s clearly waiting for the right one."
Record-Breaking 49 games unbeaten:
