Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 things we learned – Unai Emery out?

3. The Unai Emery favouritism

The ‘first XI’ that Unai Emery has predominantly used in the Premier League has been largely outplayed by its reserve version, the one featured in the EFL Cup and Europa League. Right across the pitch, the ‘second XI ‘ looks a more complete, vibrant, energetic and direct team. And yet, Emery continues to persist with those same old underperformers.

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Before the game, when asked about his selection of Sead Kolasinac over Kieran Tierney at left-back, Emery stated that Kolasinac had done anything that meant he should be dropped. Now, that may be true, but Tierney has been superb in his two performances this season and clearly offers far more than the Bosnian, especially when breaking out of the high press.

Similarly, Granit Xhaka again started the game in defensive midfield, despite being utterly incapable of playing the position. He was dire in the first half. But when it came to making the switch, it was Joe Willock, not Xhaka, who was withdrawn.

Despite all the evidence pointing towards the contrary, Emery continues to trust players, systems and approaches that are not yielding positive results. It seems as though he has his favourites, and for a flexible, progressive manager who is looking to enact change in a post-Arsene Wenger era, that is very troubling indeed.