Unai Emery, a talented coach, has dramatically transformed Aston Villa’s fortunes, a feat he wasn’t given enough time to achieve at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has had an impressive season, regardless of whether they clinch the Premier League title, but Emery’s accomplishments at Villa might be even more remarkable if Arsenal finishes as runners-up again.
Last season, Arsenal led the league for most of the season but faltered at the end, finishing second. This season, they enter the final game week knowing a win against Everton could secure the championship if Manchester City fails to beat West Ham. However, City has the upper hand, meaning Arteta might have to settle for second place once more. In contrast, Emery has taken Villa from seventh to fourth place, securing Champions League football for the first time in 40 years. Villa was struggling under Steven Gerrard but has been revitalized by Emery, who is considered one of the world’s best football coaches. Emery could have similarly transformed Arsenal if given more time.
Arsenal’s decision to sack Emery four and a half years ago was unexpected and left the former coach deeply hurt. He had been dedicated to restoring Arsenal’s glory, focusing on tactics and developing young talents like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Eddie Nketiah. However, he failed to recognize the growing dissatisfaction behind the scenes, leading to his dismissal in November 2019. Emery later confided to friends that he didn’t pay enough attention to the politics at Arsenal, where his focus on football matters alone was seen as a shortcoming. In contrast, his meticulous nature has been embraced at Villa.
At Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground, Emery has been given the freedom to build his own trusted network. Key appointments include Damian Vidagany, his personal assistant turned director of football operations, and Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, known as Monchi, who is now Villa’s president of football operations. Emery also enjoys a strong relationship with Villa’s owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, highlighted by their partnership with Real Union, a club where Emery and his brother, Igor, acquired a controlling stake.
At Villa, Emery’s intense 7am to 7pm work schedule is welcomed, contributing to Villa’s rise in the Premier League. At Arsenal, his rigorous training sessions and bursts of ideas reportedly irritated players, especially before games. Furthermore, Arsenal’s unstable boardroom environment, with significant departures like Ivan Gazidis, Sven Mislintat, Raul Sanllehi, Francis Cagigao, and Huss Fahmy, compounded Emery’s challenges. He preferred to focus on coaching and tactics, unlike Wenger, who managed broader club operations.
Arsenal’s hierarchy viewed Emery’s reluctance to engage in transfer negotiations and daily operations as a weakness. Following poor results in autumn 2019 and a Europa League final defeat to Chelsea, Emery was dismissed. In contrast, Villa has provided Emery with the support he needs, allowing him to thrive. This includes the hiring of Alfredo Benito in a global technical role and scout Pablo Rodriguez, both former teammates of Emery. The “power triangle” of Emery, Vidagany, and Monchi has revitalized Villa, awakening the Midlands’ sleeping giant.