Arsenal news: MAJOR Unai Emery change praised - ‘It was different under Arsene Wenger’

UNAI EMERY has transformed Arsenal at the back, Gunners hero Nigel Winterburn claims.

Arsenal news: Unai Emery has transformed Arsenal at the back, Nigel Winterburn claims

Arsenal news: Unai Emery has transformed Arsenal at the back, Nigel Winterburn claims (Image: GETTY)

The Gunners have impressed under Emery this campaign after the Spaniard replaced Arsene Wenger at the Emirates in the summer.

Arsenal are currently on a 17-game unbeaten streak, with the Gunners facing Vorskla in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Emery has sured up Arsenal’s leaky defence, which was a regular problem for Wenger last season.

And former Arenal star Winterburn has hailed Emery’s changes, insisting it’s the opposite to life under Wenger.

Under Arsene Wenger we were all aware he sets his teams up to attack, I think the defensive-side of the game was secondary

Nigel Winterburn

“As a defender you’re always looking for perfection, but we’ve seen a steady progression from Arsenal’s start to the season, not just for the defending from the back four or five, but the improvement when Arsenal are playing out from the back,” Winterburn told the Evening Standard.

“The togetherness within the squad is clear to see, and when you talk about defending, it’s all about your team being in a position to slow down the opposition.

“It’s coming together quite nicely, and the people at the Emirates are liking what they’re seeing.

Arsenal: Unai Emery checks the pitch before Vorskla clash

“Under Arsene Wenger we were all aware he sets his teams up to attack, I think the defensive-side of the game was secondary.

“You almost expect yourself to organise defensively as a team and towards the end, the team lost a bit of direction and confidence under Wenger.

“When you have a new manager, individually you’re very focused as you want to show the new manager you’re good enough be in the team.

“The new style and way of thinking under Unai Emery has refocused the club and he’s also brought in new players to enhance the squad.”

Arsenal news: Nigel Winterburn claims it was different under Arsene Wenger

Arsenal news: Nigel Winterburn claims it was different under Arsene Wenger (Image: GETTY)

Wenger’s Arsenal sides were renowned for their attacking flair.

However, Emery has brought a grit to the Gunners, who won 11 games in a row earlier this season.

Arsenal are back in action on Sunday afternoon in the north London derby against Tottenham.

A win for Emery’s men could send them up to third in the Premier League ahead of Chelsea and Spurs.

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