Unai’s Biggest Gamble So Far? by Dan Smith
Reports are suggesting that it was Unai Emery who canceled Arsenal’s negotiations with Aaron Ramsey. If true, it would be the second time a British player had agreed terms, only for their new boss to tell them they are not part of his plans.
In other words if Arsene Wenger had honoured his contract those two would be our future captains. While some gooners were hurt to see Jack Wilshere leave, having been at the club since a child, you could understand Arsenal’s stance. The fact he’s already injured at West Ham perhaps validates that decision. Wherever it’s right to wash our hands of Rambo is a question which won’t be answered ’til the long term.
Wherever you agree with our manager or not (and most gooners are supporting this decision), I respect the Spaniard for making a brave choice. He could’ve taken the easy option and allowed the deal to be signed, after all this saga is the result of the previous regime. Top coaches though believe in their philosophy and won’t change for anyone. Having worked with the majority of the squad since the summer he has learnt which individuals can fit into his system.
Unable to guarantee the Welshmen a start in his favoured position, Emery clearly feels 200,000 pound a week should not be spent on a man he doesn’t view as crucial to his strategy. It seems he would rather use that money and, perhaps, a small fee we could get in January to strengthen other areas, with a right winger touted as a priority. Why we need to recoup funds to spend is a debate for another day.
In the last few years there has been a divide at the Emirates. If you supported Arsene Wenger you’d be accused of being naive. Yet those same voices now seem to not accept any criticism for the change they demanded. There is nothing wrong with questioning the gaffer’s judgement here. This is a man who didn’t retract pay rises for Iwobi or Xhaka, who’s statistics are not as impressive as a man we are pushing out of the door. Many readers have commented the view that Ramsey has been overrated, but don’t assume Stan Kroenke will make finding a replacement a priority.
There’s already talk that we are overloaded in CM. if that’s the case, outside of Ozil’s assists I struggle to see where our goals from midfield will come from. Many are excited about Torreria and Guendouzi but can we really judge after 6 games? It’s okay to question Emery’s decisions. I question him on this topic yet respect him for doing it.