Like it or lump it, no wonder Sam slams Emery

SAM ALLARDYCE has come in for stick after putting the hoof into Arsenal boss Unai Emery. It came after Emery insisted on the “stupid” tactic of passing the ball out from the back against Manchester City.

But I think Allardyce (left) has his eye on the bigger picture. It’s an opening gambit in a five-month campaign that will end in January with a relegation-threatened club begging him to take over and lead them to Premier League safety in Sam’s tried-and-trusted way.

By bringing a big striker in and starting every move with a lump to his head in the hope that he’ll win ugly enough to stay up – and, once again, be hailed Saviour Sam, a modern-day genius.

He’s simply playing a long game in defending the long-ball game.