Emery Can’t Be Immune From Criticism by Dan Smith
Regular readers of this site will know my opinion on Stan Kroenke. If I could change one aspect of the club it be who our owner is. Yet that shouldn’t absolve our manager of any blame. Many didn’t afford Arsene Wenger the same luxury, when the likes of myself pointed to who he worked for, we were accused of being naive. So, the latest divide at the Emirates is unique. Those who pushed the greatest manager out of the club showed so much disrespect, they now can’t admit the Frenchmen was never the problem. They now have to commit to the change they demanded. It’s like ending a relationship for someone else then quickly realising your new partners traits are just as annoying. You’re too proud to admit the grass is not greener elsewhere. Yet to now suggest Unai Emery should not be criticised due to his employer’s lack of a ambition is ironic if you were not prepared to do that 12 months ago.
Like I said even when we went 22 unbeaten and I was mocked for this, things change yet stay the same.
The fact is Mr Kroenke has nothing to do with what we saw at the London Stadium. He might be sat in America unaware we are even playing but he doesn’t influence the choices made on the pitch. He doesn’t choose to sacrifice an attacking individual for the sake of a back 5 and two DM, no matter how many times it hasn’t improved our clean sheet record. Emery is the one who time and again claims tactically he needs to leave Ozil out of his squad even though his replacement is…….Iwobi. For four years now, the Nigerians statistics have been shocking.
Ramsey admitted he was ready to sign a new contract only for Emery to suggest he wasn’t comfortable with such a salary given to a midfielder he feels not suited to his style (Iwobi is?). If Wenger was still here, he at least we would have extended Rambo’s deal and certainly would not pick Iwobi ahead of Ramsey or Ozil. I don’t feel sorry for the Spaniard for a lack of backing as he knew what he was walking into.
One of Ivan Gazidis’ final lies was to suggest we hired our first choice out of a 30-man shortlist. In reality though did we identify this man has a guy who could make us champions or was he a cheap option? Someone who wouldn’t cost 9 million a year like his predecessor while so happy to get a big job he accepts a limited budget. What do you think a Carlo Ancelotti would have said if he is were told the bank balance? So however much we want the owner out (and rightfully so) we can’t ignore when Emery is making obvious mistakes.
Dan Smith