Emery names one issue he’s still solving from Wenger days

Unai Emery claims he is still trying to fix Arsenal’s “defensive solidity” that has troubled the club since the Arsene Wenger era.

The Gunners, who sit in fifth, are currently six points off fourth-placed Chelsea and level on points with Manchester United as they look to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Emery’s side have already conceded 32 goals that is in comparison to the likes of leaders Liverpool, who have let in only 10, while Manchester City and Tottenham have conceded 17 each.

“When I arrived, we spoke about the Arsenal before Wenger, which was consistent in defence but didn’t have much brilliance in attack,” Emery told Sky Sports.

“In the transition under Wenger, it was about making the most of that defensive work and adding more quality in attack, which was when Arsenal were a winning team.

“But in the last few years it became different. It was a team which always had a great attack, with players who were very good technically, but with a very, very low level of defensive solidity.

“Now, we are in a transition where we are looking for a balance.

“I don’t want to lose all the good things about this team. There are times when defensively we have not been very solid, but we have still won because offensively we have created a lot of chances.

“So, at the moment, I am still leaning towards making sure the team doesn’t lose what it has. But yes, it’s true that we have to achieve greater defensive solidity.”

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