Arsenal and Unai Emery: The fans will make the difference

It is quite clear that most fans believe that Arsenal head coach Unai Emery should be fired. And like with the latter Arsene Wenger months, there is a way for them to make a difference: not turn up.

During the latter years of Arsene Wenger’s tenure at Arsenal, with every passing disappointment, a growing portion of the fan base called for him to be sacked. But the Gunners repeatedly and obdurately held firm. They respected Wenger’s history and believed in his managerial qualities. It seemed as though, no matter the results, he would not be sacked.

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From a footballing perspective, the time to sack Wenger came long before he was eventually forced to resign in 2017. But the club was not making the decision from a footballing standpoint. There was an emotional angle, given that Wenger is the greatest manager the club has ever had, and also a financial one. Arsenal are a financially orientated organisation, and while Wenger was in charge, the finances were healthy.

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That was until the 2016/17 season. Arsenal were no longer in the Champions League, having failed to finish in the top four for the first time in Wenger’s tenure the previous season, they were again looking at another Europa League season after more disappointing results in the league, and, most crucially, the negative air at the Emirates was so irrefutable that the stadium had grown toxic and empty. Fans were voting with their feet. And this time, owner Stan Kroenke was listening.

Wenger’s resignation was announced on April 20th, a little under a month before the end of the season. It was not his choice. This was the club telling Wenger to resign or be sacked. They were moving on. And the crucial reason was the negative financial implications of Wenger’s staying.

We are approaching very similar circumstances with Wenger’s successor, Unai Emery. The majority of the fans would sack him now, if they had the chance, while the club is expected to be resolute under the growing pressure, remaining patient with the man mastering a ‘process’ that they believe in.

But as doubts regarding his tactics and identity abound, the pressure mounts. Emery’s job is on the line. The results and performances dictate it so. But as we saw with Wenger, Arsenal will look beyond the footballing perspective and consider other factors, like the emotions of the stadium and the size of their wallets.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves was the first time that the Emirates looked a little empty during a major game under Emery. Like in the final weeks and months of Wenger’s tenure, the fans are beginning to vote with their feet. And more than the results of the matches, the performances on the pitch and the standing in the table, this is what will motivate the club to make a change.

Like with Wenger, if keeping Emery’s hurts their finances, Arsenal will make the change. And so, like with Wenger, the fans can and will make the difference. Stop spending money. Do not turn up to matches. Show Kroenke that Emery will cost him. That will force the change.