Arsenal vs Vitoria: Europa League has become a safety blanket as pressure ramps up on Unai Emery

Under pressure: Unai Emery has been criticised in the aftermath of Arsenal's defeat to Sheffield United
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

For many managers the Europa League can prove to be a distraction, but the same cannot be said for Unai Emery.

Prior to joining Arsenal the competition had arguably provided the best moments of the Spaniard's career - he won it three times in a row at Sevilla - and he has enjoyed similar success during his time in north London.

Aside from defeat to Chelsea in the final, many of Arsenal’s best performances last season came in the Europa League, particularly their displays over two legs against Napoli and Valencia.

And it has so far been the same case this season, with Emery himself admitting the Gunners’ best performances during the current campaign have been in Europe.

“I want to extend that into the Premier League: the same idea and style, being aggressive, very good pressing, very good control with the ball,” he said.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Standard Liege | 03/10/2019

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“We did it in those two matches, and we didn’t do it - but we won - in other matches in the Premier League. I want to extend. Extend today for Sunday. Playing with energy, playing with a good combination, playing with a very big intensity. This is the way.”

How Emery could do with another fine European performance tonight against Vitoria to ease the pressure brought on by Monday’s disappointing defeat to Sheffield United.

For the first time in his Arsenal tenure it feels as though the pressure is really ramping up on Emery. He was always going to be given a season’s grace during his first year in charge, but now there is an expectation on him to deliver.

You could feel the increased scrutiny at Emery’s press conference yesterday where he made an impassioned defence about his time at Arsenal so far. Indeed during the written briefing he was asked four questions with his answers lasting 16 minutes.

“In my career, it's normal to have criticism of our work in the difficult moments, of my job, our team, the players,” Emery said.

“I had one friend say to me: ‘Go and train your hometown team in Hondarribia and you don’t have that problem’. But I know this is my work. And also my work is to analyse, to respond to you and to the supporters.”

Tonight provides Emery with the perfect opportunity to respond. During his time at Arsenal the Europa League has been a reliable well for the Spaniard to go back to, a safety blanket to cling on to, and a resounding victory over Vitoria would certainly lift the mood.

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Emery admits better performances have perhaps come in the Europa League this season because the calibre of opposition is weaker, although some fans will argue it is because he opts to field the likes of Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding.

Either way, European victories have often come at opportune moments and, after a demoralising defeat at Sheffield, Arsenal certainly need a boast.

It was telling too yesterday that Emery stressed the need for patience as he tries marrying a style of creativity and competitiveness.

“Sometimes we forget the memory and we need to remember. When I arrived here, this team needed to improve being more competitive,” he said.

“My idea is being competitive, creativity and getting here. We are in one process with some young players - patience.”

The Europa League buys Emery time - both in the short and long term.

For the here and now it often provides him a victory when he needs it most, while further down the line it allows him to keep the club’s Champions League qualification hopes alive longer by splitting his eggs between winning the competition and finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

A win tonight would maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Europa League and put them on the cusp of qualifying for the knockout stages.

It would also ease the pressure on Emery, even if only until Crystal Palace visit on Sunday.

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