Skip to content

Unai Emery needs time to change Arsenal, says Gary Neville

Neville: "It does need some change, but he will need time. He might even need all next season as well. We shouldn't really be rushing Unai Emery and Arsenal in respect of what he's trying to achieve at the club."

 during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Image: Gary Neville insists change is still needed at Arsenal but thinks Unai Emery needs to be given more time

Gary Neville insists change is still needed at Arsenal but thinks head coach Unai Emery needs to be given more time to try and make his influence felt at the club.

Arsenal started the weekend in fourth place but following their 3-1 defeat at Manchester City and wins for Chelsea and Manchester United they now find themselves in sixth.

Sky Sports pundit Neville thinks the Gunners' current position in the Premier League table is about right with Manchester United and Chelsea better placed to challenge for fourth.

Read on to see what he said on the latest Gary Neville podcast...

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette react to a Man City goal
Image: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette had a difficult afternoon at the Emirates

"Unai Emery is doing the best job that he possibly could do.

"It's a squad that needs additions and it needs change. He needs to sail that ship into shore, some need to disembark and the ones that he wants to get back on need to sail back out to sea with him.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Unai Emery says Manchester City performed better than his side in all areas as Arsenal lost 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium

"This first season for him is all about working out which players are going to be on the ship next season and testing out different things.

Also See:

"He's finding out a lot about his players all the time. For instance, Matteo Guendouzi was fantastic against Manchester City. He's 19-years-old and that was a really good performance. Emery can build around things like that.

"Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is always a threat but with the rest of the team there's a lot to work on.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from Manchester City's 3-1 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.

"It does need some change, but he will need time. He might even need all next season as well. We shouldn't really be rushing Unai Emery and Arsenal in respect of what he's trying to achieve at the club.

"Looking at the team I think sixth is about right to be honest.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jamie Carragher says Unai Emery has a big job to do with Arsenal's defence after they lost 3-1 to Manchester City.

"I watched Manchester United at Leicester and they look stronger now. When you look at Manchester United's forward line with Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial, Arsenal haven't got that.

"Even in midfield United have got Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera and they are now looking stronger at the back.

"Arsenal will end up sixth and it's between Manchester United and Chelsea for fourth and fifth."

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.

Around Sky