Jamie Carragher told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (06/05/21 at 10:05 pm) that Unai Emery was ‘laughed at’ during his time at Arsenal, who were knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday night.
Nearly two years after being sacked by Arsenal, Emery returned to the Emirates with his Villarreal side, who produced a masterclass in defending to secure their place in the final with Manchester United.
Many were expecting another all-English European final after Chelsea v Manchester City in the Champions League, and whilst those from Old Trafford booked their final ticket, it was a knockout blow for those in North London.
Carragher suggested that Emery was harshly treated during his time at Arsenal, as he answered his critics on Thursday night.
“What we have seen over the two games is that Arsenal on paper have better players than Villarreal,” said Carragher. “They are more expensive. Bigger wages.
“I am pleased for Unai Emery, I must say. He was ridiculed in England and in the Premier League. Arsenal fans never took to him. And sometimes it’s not the football or the result. You watch a manager in interviews and his communication skills weren’t great.
“He was almost laughed at. He was never given, I wouldn’t say time, the results weren’t great. But they certainly aren’t as bad as they are right now.”
The writing surely has to be on the wall for Arteta now after he was knocked out by the man he replaced in the Emirates dugout.
Emery was sacked for a lot less than Arteta, who doesn’t have the Premier League to fall back on because they are sitting outside of the top seven.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Arsenal board react to this defeat because many fans will now be calling for Arteta’s head.
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