Arsenal Vs Newcastle United: 5 things we learned – Game of two halves

3. Improvements vindicate Unai Emery

This is not the first time that Unai Emery has made a substitute at half-time. It is also not the first time that Arsenal’s performance after making such a change has completely flipped on its head.

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It’s a little concerning that the team set-up is obviously completely wrong to start the game, but credit must be given to Emery for his willingness to accept his mistakes and make an adjustment/s to completely change the course of the game. On this occasion, it was the introduction of Lucas Torreira.

The substantial improvements that the team almost every time Emery has the chance to provide tactical instruction or alteration does vindicate the work that the new head coach is trying to implement at the club. Clearly, his system, when executed properly, is successful. The problem is getting the players to execute it properly.

As we all knew at the start of the season, that is a slow process that could take months if not years. It was always going to be difficult going early on. Growing pains were inevitable. But these periods of blistering brilliance do provide a glimpse into what Arsenal are working towards. And it is an exciting prospect indeed.