Arsenal face Bournemouth on Sunday aiming for their 17th unbeaten game in a row, and it seems the fans are getting behind the team and cheering them to greater heights. This is what was sadly missing in the last two years, and the fans voted with their feet after watching another listless display from players that looked like they were going through the motions. As Emery himself pointed out, yes Arsenal are aiming for trophies but one of the most important things is showing the fans they are trying their hardest. “The Premier League is our priority, and our objective in terms of the table is to finish in the top four,” Emery said.
“The club wants to return to Europe’s top club competition which is the Champions League, and we have two opportunities by which to do that – one is the Premier League, and the other is the Europa League, because obviously you qualify by winning that competition. Both are very difficult but we want to ensure we perform the best we can on both fronts.
“At the same time, every competition where there’s a title up for grabs is important and that counts for the two domestic cup competitions as well.
“We have a third objective however and that is that we want to garner feedback and create a connection with the fans. We want the team to transmit things.
“We want it to convey energy, desire about winning and also a sense of solidity. And within that we want to see individual footballers growing and developing. We want to create that kind of atmosphere so it’s about both how we finish in the table and also in terms of creating a team both individually and collectively that has motivation.
“We want Arsenal to convey energy and hunger.”
So is it working so far? I think most fans would agree that it is, wouldn’t you? One person who is convinced we are going in the right direction is our old defender Bacary Sagna, who is extremely impressed. “It is strange. From one year to another, it is totally crazy.” he said.
“They enjoyed the summer to clear their minds and come back stronger.
“It seems like they give even more on the pitch and it is working for them. I am so happy to see the club back to its best. Arsenal is in my heart, it is my club.
“I was a bit sad to see them struggling the way they did the past two years. I was sad to see Arsene Wenger leaving when he did.
“He gave his life for the club. It can’t always be perfect and people were a bit harsh with him. Arsenal became Arsenal because of him. He was the man.
“But now I am happy because the players are happy and they seem to be sticking to the project.”
So do we all agree that Emery has changed the mentality of the Arsenal players, despite the performances not always being the best?
Darren N