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Mikel Arteta vs Unai Emery – A comparison

Mikel Arteta

It’s been almost 15 months since Unai Emery and Arsenal parted ways for the good. Many things have changed since Mikel Arteta took over and there are still plenty of questions on whose reign was better and now would be the right time to compare their records, with the current Gunners boss matching his predecessor’s tally (against Sheffield United) of 51 Premier League games in charge. What does their record look like and what can we learn about the team’s present condition?

The North London club will be getting to see their former manager soon as they will face-off against Villarreal in the Europa League semifinals. In a bit of irony, it is the Spaniard who stands in the way of the Gunners as they aim to reach the finals for the second time in three years.

The Analyst have presented a detailed analysis on the duo’s stats, with points scored being the biggest difference between the two managers. Emery leads the way with 88 points while Arteta has only garnered 78 points. In attack, with regards to goals scored, it is Emery who is leading the way as the players have been especially better at converting chances.

But as we take a deeper look, there is a marked improvement under Arteta as far as the defence is concerned. There have been fewer goals conceded under the current regime which has lead to more clean sheets.

Reading through the comparisons, there are other interesting stats that pop up. Arteta’s team have made fewer errors (leading to goals) compared to Emery’s reign. But there isn’t much to talk about other areas where the stats cancel each other out.

The major factors that put the former captain in a favourable spot are his communication skills and the trophies won. By being able to communicate his ideas in a better way, the Spanish boss has connected with the fans in a way that Emery was never able to do. This along with the silverware, has brought about enough faith in him despite the poor form in the league.

Arteta’s position at the club might become more delicate should Arsenal fail to win the Europa League. To do so would be difficult given that the North Londoners have a tough semi-final and a potentially tougher final ahead. The current league position does the Spaniard no favours as well. Though there are encouraging signs and the club Is looking better defensively, the Premier League form has to pick up for more fans to be convinced by the current regime.

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