Emery’s back… and he’s ready to drive a dagger through Arsenal’s heart

STANDING in the way of Arsenal reigniting their title surge is a familiar face.

When Aston Villa manager Unai Emery embraces Mikel Arteta — who succeeded him at the Emirates — he will do so knowing he can strike a dagger through the heart of Arsenal’s ambitions in much the same way as they treated him in November 2019.

Emery has recovered from his sacking as Gunners boss to rebuild a reputation as one of Europe’s most astute coaches. If the Spaniard can mastermind a victory at Villa Park today, there are no guarantees Arsenal’s championship dream will make such a recovery.

Since leaving north London after a defeat by Frankfurt in the Europa League — which he won with Villarreal the following season — Emery’s stock has rebounded. Last year, he led the Spanish club to a Champions League semi-final.

Victories over Juventus and Bayern Munich en route to the final four were tantamount to redemption for Emery.

Had Newcastle got their way, he would have been Steve Bruce’s successor at St James’ Park well before Villarreal had claimed those upsets.

Emery fancied the Toon job. But he is a man of honour and hated the fact that news of his potential arrival on Tyneside had been leaked just hours before a Champions League win against Young Boys.

That will come as no surprise to Arsenal. As much as he had lost the dressing room in the final weeks of his reign, he was always honest and dignified.

But there were sections of the Arsenal squad and backroom team who found Emery irritating and uncharismatic. Perhaps that is slightly unfair. Arsene Wenger’s undeniable charm is a tough act to follow.

That said, Emery could have done more in trying to endear himself to those around him. He was insular and largely disconnected from many people that he shared a training ground with on a daily basis.

The negativity filtered through to the players, who by the end of his reign were texting each other predicting when Emery would go.

Only Emery knows if he has happy memories of his 18 months there, but you could not blame him if it is a chapter he would rather not revisit.

When he faces Arsenal today it would be understandable if there is an extra steel in Emery’s eye and slightly more purpose in his step.

He will say he has nothing to prove — and maybe he hasn’t. But leading Villa to victory and damaging Arsenal’s title ambitions will definitely be on his agenda this afternoon.