Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Aston Villa: 5 things we learned – The inspiring Matteo Guendouzi

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal gives the ball to Frederic Guilbert of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal gives the ball to Frederic Guilbert of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

1. Emery in trouble or not?

At half-time, there were plenty of fans calling for Unai Emery’s head. Arsenal had put it yet another horrible performance, the team looked lost defensively, slow and lethargic in possession, and were largely outplayed by newly-promoted Aston Villa. And many were rightly blaming Emery for these issues.

Had the game continued in that manner after the break, I would have been writing Emery’s will — just to clarify, I would not be calling for him to be sacked, but the growing doubts of recent weeks would only be intensified. But it didn’t.

Arsenal completely changed the game with an inspirational second-half display. It was sensational. The players turned up for Emery. They fought for him. They showed heart, grit, character, resilience, qualities that Emery should be credited for instilling.

Next. Arsenal Vs Aston Villa: Player ratings. dark

So is Emery in trouble or not? Well, it is difficult to say. There are certainly improvements that need to be made. Arsenal cannot play as they did in the first half and expect much success this season. But at the same time, Emery and his players are fighting hard, and that must count for something.