Arsenal’s smart move on Emery

IT WAS always going to be a big call for Arsenal to appoint Mikel Arteta.

But how could the Arsenal board go for a manager who is the total opposite of Arsene Wenger, in terms of experience and longevity in the job?

Arteta has only worked for two seasons under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and although well regarded, he is a total rookie. As Manchester United and David Moyes discovered, it is not easy replacing someone like Alex Ferguson. This is similar. Failure for Arteta could have finished his coaching career.

Unai Emery (left) has served his apprenticeship and the results in his early career are equally as impressive as his success at PSG.

Historic first-time promotions at Lorca Deportiva and Almeira were followed by taking Valencia to a Champions League final and leading Sevilla to three Europa League titles on the bounce.