Arsene Wenger

Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher has said that manager Unai Emery has partly fixed the defensive concerns at Arsenal which were reminiscent under former boss Arsene Wenger. The north London side have barely managed clean sheets during the current league campaign but they managed to provide a resolute defensive showing against Manchester United on Sunday.

A Granit Xhaka curler and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty handed the Gunners with a 2-0 win but more plaudits were focused towards the backline which kept a deserved clean sheet. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher was impressed with the defensive outlook of the Gunners side after they managed to control the game after gaining the advantage.

He said: "This is something we questioned under Arsene Wenger.They’re too open and they expose themselves too many times but under Emery I do see a different side. I see them a lot more determined, trying to put bodies on the line and that’s not something I saw in recent years. I think that’s why Arsenal fans are so involved right now because they’re enjoying what they’re seeing."

Arsenal have made some improvement on the defensive scale under Unai Emery but there are occasions including the Rennes game last week where they were vulnerable at the back. Nonetheless, the supporters would be impressed with the progress made under the new head coach, who appears on course to guide the club back to the Champions League.

“The north London giants are currently two points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United on the table“ and they seemingly have the advantage for a top-four finish with the top-six matches done and dusted. Still, Emery would want another potential route to the “elite competition next term“ but for that, they need to stay alive in the Europa League.

The Gunners are currently trailing 3-1 to Rennes after the first leg of the round of 16 stage, but they can make a comeback at the Emirates Stadium where they need the minimum of two goals without conceding to progress.