Unai Emery’s first season at Arsenal was always going to be one of transition. Having taken over the role as manager from the long-serving and hugely successful Arsene Wenger, it is going to take time for any changes to have an impact.
The Spaniard started the season well and following an opening day defeat at the hands of Manchester City plus a loss at Chelsea, the Gunners went on a run of seven straight wins in the Premier League. However, since the victory over Leicester City on the 20th October, wins have not been as easy to come by for Arsenal.
They were held to three draws in succession and despite enjoying success in the North London derby over Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal have since dropped points at Manchester United, Southampton, Brighton, Liverpool and West Ham.
The heavy 5-1 loss at Liverpool was embarrassing. Liverpool are top of the table but Arsenal should never be losing in that manner to any club in the Premier League. However, it was the 1-0 defeat at West Ham United on the weekend which has really put an end to the honeymoon period for Emery.
It was a hugely disappointing performance for the Gunners, who looked second best for much of the game. Arsenal achieved just 2 shots on target throughout the entire 90 minutes and while West Ham are a very good team on their day, Arsenal made them look fantastic.
Emery, who has managed in Spain and France, raised eyebrows with his team selection at the London Stadium with no place for Mesut Ozil in the squad. Reports were the German had been in training during the week and was available for selection despite having previous fitness concerns. Ozil has a good record against West Ham and it was a shock to see he was not even on the substitutes bench.
Perhaps the most alarming sign for Arsenal fans is the lack of change under Emery. The long unbeaten run suggested the former Paris Saint-Germain boss had implemented something new but it was papering over cracks which remain in place.
Defending at corners has improved and Arsenal are yet to concede from a corner in the Premier League this season. However, there is not a great deal to enthuse about elsewhere.
The choices in defence at West Ham were strange considering Hector Bellerin was fit and yet started on the bench. Aside from the absence of Ozil, Lucas Torreira, who has been excellent this season, was on the bench and the decision to let Aaron Ramsey leave seems strange.
Having been at the club since the summer, there seems to be no real plan in regard to how Arsenal are approaching each match. The starting XI is not close to being settled and many of Arsenal’s best players are not being selected.
With the news that there is no money to spend in January, Arsenal are set for a tough second half to the season and Champions League football could be out of reach.