Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'Arsenal were in decline' - Emery rebuilding after Wenger's loss of defensive structure

The man handed the reins at Emirates Stadium after 22 years under an iconic Frenchman is looking for his side to be attacking but solid at the back

Unai Emery feels the Arsenal side he inherited from Arsene Wenger were “in decline” from a defensive point of view.

The Gunners enjoyed 22 years under their former coach, with Premier League title triumphs and FA Cup successes savoured along the way.

It was, however, decided that a fresh approach was required over the summer, with the managerial baton handed to a Spaniard who had previously impressed at Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain.