Arsene Wenger

Former Liverpool star-turned-pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Arsenal are more resilient under Unai Emery than with ex-head coach Arsene Wenger. Emery had a poor beginning with the Gunners, who suffered back-to-back league defeats but the Spaniard has since sorted out the club’s results with a 17-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp highlighted that the Gunners have managed to shed ‘soft’ tag especially in the centre of the park and this has transformed their fortunes under the tutelage of Emery, he said: “[Emery] has changed the formation but the big thing is he’s changed the mentality at Arsenal. Over the last few years you would watch Arsenal and say: “They’re soft”. We used to speak about their lack of strength in midfield. Bad mistakes were happening time and time again under Arsene Wenger. It’s obvious they are now more resilient and stronger.”

The north London giants were expected to struggle before the season begun after a dismal sixth place finish during the previous campaign but they have managed to find ways of securing regular points despite the vulnerability in the backline. Moreover, they have improved on the away form, which was a major concern during the previous season, and they have already accumulated more than 80 per cent of the points acquired on the road last term.

“Arsenal ended a three-match draw streak in the Premier League with a 2-1 triumph over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium“ and the result has propelled them to within one point off fourth-placed Chelsea, “who suffered a rather“ disappointing 3-1 derby defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.

Next up, Emery’s men are scheduled to face Spurs at the Emirates Stadium and the cross-town derby should promise a thriller. Spurs have already beaten the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea during the ongoing campaign and they should present a tough test for the Gunners despite not winning on the road to their north London counterparts since 2013.