Arsene Wenger

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has aimed a dig at former manager Arsene Wenger and believes the Frenchman’s managerial style has been the prime reason behind the club’s failure to compete for the Premier League title. The French tactician stepped down from his role during the summer after 22 seasons at the helm where he managed to guide the club to three league crowns.

Speaking after the recent win over Everton, Cech highlighted that the Gunners used to play the ‘Arsenal play’ under the tutelage of Wenger and the focus was more on the style than picking up ugly wins every now and then. However, he believes this has changed under the guidance of Emery, who has improved the club’s results game-by-game.

He told Sky Sports News: “For any club who wins titles in the recent years, you have a team with the knowhow how to finish it off - and you can see it in any sport. This club has not won the league for over 10 years so, obviously, you need to get back into knowing how to do it.In the past I would say the Arsenal way was more important than getting the points sometimes and this is not how you win the league. Sometimes you need to make sure you win an ugly game, when you are not playing well. I think this is what we lacked.”

“Arsenal started the Premier League season in probably the worst fashion with back-to-back losses against Manchester City “and Chelsea but they have since returned to normalcy with four straight victories. One may say that they “have received a favourable “ schedule thereafter but the faithful would certainly appreciate the progress which has witnessed them overcome their woeful away run from the previous campaign.

Arsenal are now up to 12 points after the first six games of the season and this sees them positioned sixth on the table. Up next, they are scheduled to face Brentford in the third round of the League Cup and the match should witness Emery’s side pick up a sixth consecutive victory across all competitions, barring a shocking performance.