There’s no doubt that Unai Emery will be keen to guide Arsenal towards silverware during his first season in charge, and it won’t matter what shape the trophy takes. So long as the team is lifting something at the end of the season, this campaign will be considered a very successful first for the Spanish coach.
Arsenal haven’t won a European trophy in the 21st century, with the Cup Winners Cup in 1994 and Fairs Cup in 1970 the last time the Gunners laid claim to any continental honours. Coincidentally, George Graham was involved in both of those triumphs; first as a player, then as manager
Despite a domestic haul of three Premier League titles, seven FA Cup triumphs and seven FA Community Shield wins, Arsene Wenger never quite managed to elevate his teams to continental glory. Being runners-up in the 2000 UEFA Cup and 2006 Champions League finals was the closest he came.
By comparison, during just two and a half campaigns with Sevilla, the Europa League became a love affair for Emery and fans of the southern Spanish club, winning the competition for three consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2016. At the same time, he began to establish his strong managerial reputation.
Although a top-four finish might be difficult, as will triumphing in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, it’s hard not to imagine Emery viewing the Europa League as a realistic option to bring his first piece of silverware at Arsenal, using that as a potential platform on which to build greater things.
It all began with Arsenal getting off to a positive start against FC Vorskla Poltava, a side whose last appearance in the Europa League group stages produced just two draws and four defeats, during the 2011-12 campaign, followed by a second victory over Qarabag.
Next up is a trip to Sporting, with Arsenal priced at 6/5 to make it three from three, signing up to Ladbrokes through Oddschecker and using one of their free bets offers could provide a good chance for punters to cash in. Emery will also be looking for his team to continue their strong statement of intent in the competition.
Although no rival in continental competitions should be taken for granted, Emery must view Group E as one his team can and should comfortably win. He has shown that he will take unfancied sides like Vorskla and Qarabag seriously, but the biggest threat will undoubtedly come from the Primera League club.
If the team can pass this test with flying colours, then, obviously, the luck of the draw will have some part to play in how far Arsenal can progress in the Europa League. However, during his time at Sevilla, Emery’s side often faced very tough opponents, yet wanted it more than their rivals.
Hopefully, that’s the kind of mentality Emery will encourage amongst his Arsenal players, after a somewhat shaky domestic start to his tenure at the Emirates. Indeed, a European trophy would be a most welcome way for him to silence any doubts about his credentials.
New post up now.
Thought it already was .
Emery has certainly had a good rapport with the Europa League , his record is impressive. But I think this year is a little early to think about winning it now.
His success at Seville was because his system worked like clockwork but we are not at that stage yet. Next year maybe , this one is about learning.
Hi Rico
That brought back memories, I was at the Inter City cup match in 1970. What a team – as good as the Invincibles? I think so!
1 Bob Wilson
2 Peter Storey
3 Bob McNab
4 Eddie Kelly
5 Frank McLintock (c)
6 Peter Simpson
7 George Armstrong
8 Jon Sammels
9 John Radford
10 Charlie George
11 George Graham
Substitute:
Ray Kennedy
Manager:
Bertie Mee
Brian
Brian strange really though how one of my favourite players Jon Sammels was so derided by sections of the clock end . Anyway he played a large part in that game against Anderlecht . At the finish as the crowd rushed the pitch my mate and I were stopped by a copper who then turned round and saw what was behind him , looked at us , shrugged his shoulders and said , go on then . And we went.