Arsenal and Unai Emery: What happened to effervescent, prowling demeanour?

One of the staple characteristics of Unai Emery’s management in his first year at Arsenal was his effervescent, prowling demeanour on the touchline. But this year, it has been nonexistent. So what happened?

Early on in his Arsenal tenure, there was a clear distinction to be made between Unai Emery’s coaching abilities and his character. While the jury was very much still out on the former, his fingerprints not yet fully embedded on his new team to a level that was fair to judge, on the latter, the conclusion was quite clear: Emery is a man to unite behind.

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From the very first word he said in his introductory press conference, Emery presented himself as a humble, self-aware, inspirational individual. Through very broken English, which was impressive enough in and of itself, he extolled the importance of attacking football, highlighted his desire to develop young players, and spoke of his respect for the great club he was leading forward and the man he took over from.

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And a crucial aspect of his endearing personality was his antics on the sideline. Emery was demonstrative, strutting up and down the pitch, unable to contain his physical reactions to the goings-on between the white lines. The technical area was precisely that, a technicality, and he developed a flourishing relationship with the fans, those at the Emirates now offering a raucous atmosphere when previously such fan noise has been questioned.

Emery’s almost unhinged behaviour was inspirational. Some queried the impact it had on the players, which is understandable given the prowling pressure he impresses on them, but overall, this was an extremely positive aspect of his management. His coaching qualities were still under question, yet to be properly and accurately scrutinised, but his manner, his characteristics, his personality was not up for debate. Emery was very popular indeed.

But this season, his effervescent, excitable, exuberant style has not been present. There have been moments here and there, yes, but his actions on the sidelines are not nearly at the same intensity, energy and impact as last year. And it is a little puzzling as to why.

The results have been substantially worse this season. This time last year, Arsenal were in the midst of a 22-game unbeaten run, with every game seemingly featuring a sensational second-half comeback that raucously riled up both Emery and the supporters. That has not been the case this season, especially in recent weeks, the Gunners winning just two of their last nine league matches. Perhaps Emery just is not feeling it like he was last year.

It also possible that he was told to tone down his reactions. Either the club or the players might have asked him to contain his antics a little more. Or it is plausible that Emery himself is not as enthused about his team as he was last season, however curious that may sound after investing heavily in the summer, signing players that presumably Emery wants to use.

Whatever the reason is, what is undeniable is that Emery is different to what he was last season. And while his coaching is heavily doubted by many and much covered, it is his change in personality that is equally as concerning.