Arsenal Invincible bizzarrely blames Unai Emery as the reason Arsenal lost the title……

Arsenal Invincible bizzarrely blames Unai Emery as the reason Arsenal lost the title

In a surprising twist, former Arsenal player and member of the legendary “Invincibles” squad, Martin Keown, has publicly blamed former manager Unai Emery for Arsenal’s failure to secure the Premier League title this season. Keown’s comments have stirred controversy and debate among fans and pundits alike, considering Emery left the club in 2019, several years before the current season’s events unfolded.

### **Keown’s Unexpected Accusations**

During a broadcast on BT Sport, Keown voiced his unusual opinion. “The roots of Arsenal’s inability to clinch the title this season can be traced back to the tenure of Unai Emery. His time at the club set us back significantly, and we are still feeling the repercussions,” Keown stated. “Emery’s tactics and decisions led to a loss of identity and confidence within the squad, and it has taken years for the club to recover.”

Keown’s assertions focus on Emery’s impact on team morale and structure, suggesting that his management created lasting issues that have hampered the team’s progress under subsequent managers, including current head coach Mikel Arteta.

Unai Emery took over as Arsenal manager in May 2018, succeeding the long-serving Arsène Wenger. Despite a promising start, Emery’s tenure was marked by inconsistency, tactical confusion, and a lack of clear direction. He led the team to the Europa League final in 2019, but a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea and a fifth-place finish in the Premier League raised questions about his effectiveness.

Emery was dismissed in November 2019 after a string of poor results and was replaced by Mikel Arteta. Since then, Arteta has been working to rebuild the team, instilling a new philosophy and structure aimed at returning Arsenal to its former glory.

### **Current Season Disappointment**

Arsenal’s 2023-2024 campaign was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by critical lapses in key matches. Despite leading the league at several points, they ultimately fell short, finishing second behind Manchester City. The disappointment was palpable among fans who believed this was Arsenal’s best chance at a title since their “Invincibles” season in 2003-2004.

### **Reactions to Keown’s Comments**

Keown’s comments have sparked a mixed response. Some fans agree that Emery’s tenure left a negative legacy that Arteta has had to overcome, while others argue that blaming a former manager for current failures is unfair and detracts from the progress made under Arteta.

“I understand where Keown is coming from, but it feels like a stretch to lay this season’s failure at Emery’s feet,” said Arsenal fan and podcaster Elliot Smith. “Arteta has had ample time to shape the team. The focus should be on the current squad and management.”

Former Arsenal player Ian Wright also weighed in, defending Arteta and the current administration. “Blaming Emery now is not productive. Arteta has brought a new vision and direction to the club. We’ve seen improvement, and we’re on the right path. We need to look forward, not back,” Wright said.

### **The Path Forward**

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have shown signs of rejuvenation. The club has invested in young talent, with players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli becoming central to the team’s future. Arteta’s tactical approach emphasizes high pressing, ball possession, and defensive solidity, a stark contrast to the perceived chaos of Emery’s era.

Arteta himself responded diplomatically to Keown’s remarks. “We respect the opinions of our club legends, but our focus is on the present and future. We are building something special here, and we believe we are on the right track to achieving our goals,” Arteta stated in a recent press conference.

### **Looking Ahead**

As Arsenal fans reflect on a season of near-misses, the focus inevitably shifts to the summer transfer window and preparations for the next campaign. The club is expected to bolster its squad, aiming to address the weaknesses that cost them the title this year.

**In conclusion**, while Martin Keown’s comments have added an unexpected twist to the post-season analysis, the broader Arsenal community remains focused on the progress made under Mikel Arteta. Emery’s tenure, though brief and turbulent, is part of the club’s history, but the eyes of fans, players, and management are firmly set on a future where Arsenal can once again lift the Premier League trophy.