Despite taking a 1-0 lead an first half inside an almost empty Emirates stadium, the game against the visitors from Germany was the final straw for the Spaniard’s doomed spell in North London.
Arsenal haven’t looked like an improved team since the season began under Emery and following dismal and miserable run of forms from the North London outfit, Unai Emery’s sack was inevitable.
As Arsenal chiefs look to the future after deciding Emery’s fate, we take a look at top five favorites candidates who could take his position at the helm.
Mikael Arteta
This is a perfect example of the popular verse in the Holy book “the stone the builders rejected that has finally become the cornerstone“. It will be amusing to see the powers that be at Arsenal turn to their former midfielder and captain that was deemed as incapable of replacing Arsene Wenger.
Arteta was overlooked in favour of Emery, and was said to have been left disappointed with the snub by the club he once captained. Nevertheless, Mikael’s chances of emerging as one great coach remain high and furthermore, his day by day work and activities with Pep Guardiola has done the Spinard tremendous good.
When last considered for the Arsenal job, which was ninety percent of coming through, Manchester City had said they would not stand in the way of the Spaniard taking to the dug-out.
This time around, however, City are much less bent to let Arteta leave. The 37-year-old is an important personality in the coaching crew at the Etihad, as Guardiola’s men defend their Premier League title and aim to finally capture the Champions League.
Carlo Ancelotti
A long former favorite of Arsenal fans in and out; his name once popped up as a man to take the baton from Arsene Wenger which did not happen when the French veteran manager retired 20 months ago.
Carlo is a serial winner who has won major honors like the Premier League, champions league, SerieA and the list goes on. When you need a manager who can win trophies for your team and get your team competitive again, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss is one of the numerous names to turn to.
The 60-year-old is currently struggling to lift a Napoli side that has no wins in eight, after the players revolted against the club’s owner and with the disunion ongoing at the club he could be convinced to take on a new challenge should be be approached by the Arsenal board.
But it has been reported that any club wishing to prise Ancelotti from Napoli would have to pay a hefty sum to release him from his contract.
Massimiliano Allegri
Another immediate option for the Arsenal faithfuls, Allegri guarantees you a perfect brand of vast experience and personality.
Reports has it that the 52-year-old has been taking English lessons which sooner or later will be of much use to the Italian. Having managed Italian heavyweights; Milan and Juve, Max Allegri has taken a break from management after leaving the old ladies last summer to make way for Mauricio Sarri.
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Moreso, due to his pedigree and experience as a manager, Max knows the pressure of competing at the highest level for silverware.
Should he come to Arsenal, he will be arriving with fruitful and sweet CV having six SerieA medals hanging round his neck along with vast collection of honours to his name and four Manager of the year awards from his homeland.
Nuno Espirito Santo
The Wolves manager has achieved every of his set goals since bringing the Midlands club back to the big scene. European qualification in his first full season in the EPL has earned the former goalkeeper admirers from around the globe.
The Portuguese has proved beyond every reasonable doubt of what he’s capable of doing if he gets the chance at a bigger club. Besides, Nuno is a great reader of the game and a brilliant interpreter of tactics.
His records against the big guns in the league says it all as his team has become a fly in the ointment for teams like City, United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Wolves will fight tooth and nail to keep hold of their bearded messiah however, as they look to continue implementing their ‘seven year plan’ and make themselves contenders for major titles.
Mauricio Pochettino
Prolly the most interesting name of all. A move for Mauricio Pochettino would ruffle many feathers but deliver a top quality manager and the rivalry in the North London derby would crank up tenfold, given Pochettino’s hugely successful tenure at White Hart Lane.
Pochettino to Arsenal would be hilarious, and not purely down to the fact that one of the most exciting managers in European football would be taking the reigns.
Pochettino currently is in Argentina taking time to refresh his philosophy and enjoying his break. Reports has it that has opted to take a job from any serious big team that knows his value.
It’s perhaps safe to say that if Pochettino gave Arsenal the green light, little to no hesitation would be made. One of the most in-demand coaches on the continent.
The Chance Of Each Coaches Touted To Replace Unai Emery
Mikel Arteta – 9/2
Nuno Santo – 4/5
Carlo Ancelotti – 8/3
Massimiliano Allegri – 9/0
Mauricio Pochettino – 8/1
