Arsene Wenger put the ‘Arsenal way’ of playing above winning matches and trophies in his final years at the Emirates Stadium, according to goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Wenger stepped down as Arsenal manager in May after 22 years in charge, having endured years of criticism from those who argued that the Frenchman’s reluctance to change his approach towards training and tactics had taken the club backwards.
Unai Emery was chosen as Wenger’s successor on a three-year contract and after a difficult start, the Spaniard has presided over four consecutive Arsenal victories as he attempts to deliver on his pledge to transform them into “the best team in the Premier League and also the world”.
And speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton on Sunday, Cech said he believes Emery is already bringing back qualities absent under Wenger that are required to win major silverware.
“What we lacked in the past – I would say the ‘Arsenal way’ was more important than getting the points sometimes and this is not how you win the league,” Cech said. “Sometimes you need to make sure you win an ugly game, when you are not playing completely well but you just dig deep, close the back door and win 1-0 no matter how.
“I think this is what we lacked over the last three years, since I arrived [in 2015]. Against Everton, we went through difficult moments in the game but we managed to get the win and with the clean sheet so this is very positive.”
Cech’s own form has been scrutinised as he attempts to adapt his game to Emery’s wish for a passing style in defence, but he is adamant that he is enjoying himself under the new regime and recent results have fuelled his confidence that the Spaniard will push Arsenal to greater heights.
“It comes from the preparation, the everyday work and from the manager’s way of playing the game, as well,” he added. “We work very hard every day to give ourselves the chance to compete with everybody and hopefully it will be working even better than it has been for the last four games. He is very demanding and this is how you improve.