Arsenal: Unai Emery instilled what Arsene Wenger couldn’t

Consistently in the Arsene Wenger era, Arsenal played extremely naively in Europe. But in the quarter-final win over Napoli, Unai Emery proved that these players are capable. He has instilled a steel and sensibility that Wenger never could.

For many years, Europe seemed to confound Arsene Wenger. Other than a 2006 Champions League final, which was lost to Barcelona, Arsenal would largely underperform in Europe, especially in the latter years in which Barcelona and Bayern Munich would regularly have their way the north Londoners.

Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Napoli brilliance; top four chances

There were many reasons for their ineptitude on the continent. But one key element was the tactical naivety of Wenger and subsequent game mismanagement of the players. Arsenal did not know how to navigate the competition, and specific ties, successfully.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

But this season, and specifically their latest outing against Napoli in the quarter-finals, the Gunners looked like champions of the European scene. They were not necessarily the dominant team, bar the first 45 minutes of the first leg, but they were the masters of the key moments.

Unai Emery, in his post-match press conference, was extremely pleased with his team’s performance:

"“After our victory in Watford, which was a difficult match, it was good to then repeat against Napoli in the second leg and keep our clean sheet, and also win this match against a very big team <…> Yes, I am very proud of my players and proud of our work.”"

In a similar vein, Sokratis called the match ‘perfect’:

"“It was the perfect night for us, we played really well and after the first goal it was easier for us.”"

What was so ‘perfect’ about the performance was the management of the game. The quality to knick the away goal from a freekick, the boldness and cohesiveness of the press in the early stages, the positional discipline of the second half of both legs, especially the first to ensure that Napoli did not get that crucial away goal.

The experience, understanding and nous to play in such a sensible and conservative manner are characteristics that Wenger was never able to instil in the squad over the past decade. And Emery has been able to do it just one season — I am aware that it would be a gross underestimate to simply attribute this solely to Emery, but the improved mentality of the team throughout the season is a testament to the changing culture of the squad.

Arsenal played almost the perfect European tie against one of the best teams in the world. And a lot of it comes down to the mentality that Emery has instilled, something that Wenger could never really do.