Emery’s tough training programme

ARSENAL boss Unai Emery will instruct his top boys to cut down Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth crew this afternoon – by order of the Peaky Blinders.

The Spaniard has revealed he’s a huge fan of the hit BBC gangster drama and has been watching it to improve his English.

Like most of us, he doesn’t understand every word the Shelby boys utter in their Brummie twang.

But their antics help him to switch off from football while brushing up on his language skills and a few choice words at the same time. Emery (below) said: “I am watching English series to improve my English. What am I watching? Peaky Blinders. It is good but it is difficult, from Birmingham. It’s very aggressive but it’s good. Just how I would like my defence.”

There are many similarities between the two bosses who line up today. Both became managers at a young age after injury ended their playing careers early. Howe was just 29 when he was forced to hang up his boots. Emery suffered a knee injury while at Lorca Deportiva at the age of 32 and was offered the vacant manager’s post.

Emery said: “Yes, there are similarities. When I was very young all my family was in football – my grandfather and father played as professionals in Spain. I felt all the time football in my home.

“When I could not be a player, my focus was, ‘I want to continue in this world and in this professional activity.’ I started as a coach and today I am here, a similar situation to Eddie Howe.”

PLAYING TODAY 1.30pm BOURNEMOUTH V ARSENAL