Unai Emery wants 'collective and individual' improvement from Arsenal despite extending winning streak

Emery's Arsenal project still a work in progress, says the head coach.
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge30 September 2018

Arsenal may be on a seven match winning streak in all competitions but Unai Emery is convinced there is much more to come from his side.

The Gunners struck twice in the final 10 minutes, an own goal from Craig Cathcart and Mesut Ozil’s calm finish after an incisive counter-attack, to earn a 2-0 win over Watford moved them to fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with Tottenham.

As they had in victory over Tottenham and a close defeat to Manchester United, Watford provided plenty of nervy moments for their top six opponents, whose defence briefly buckled to allow Isaac Success in behind in the second half but for the most part held firm against the sort of aerial bombardment that often prompts Arsenal to collapse.

Defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two games made for a worrying start to the Emery era but Arsenal have rallied impressively even if their football has not yet thrilled in more than momentary flashes.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Watford | 29/09/18

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"We are patient,” Emery said. “Today we have 15 points, it’s good, it gives us confidence but each match is also giving us information for how we can continue improving.

“I think we can, both individually and collectively. At this point in the table we are in a good way but it won’t be easy for us.

“We started with losses in the first two matches, it wasn’t easy. The players have commitment to work every day and work together. We are taking one step more, an important one to stay with the top teams. We’re thinking only match by match.”

If Arsenal’s defence was solid in victory over Watford their front four of Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette once more failed to prove they were the sum of their parts.

The Arsenal head coach’s response to another stuttering display was shrewd and the introduction of Alex Iwobi proved crucial as the 22-year-old provided the cross for Cathcart’s own goal and combined with Lacazette for Ozil’s.

Emery said of the result: “It’s very important, first for taking confidence for every player and the team and also so we can continue to improve, with more control, with possession, positioning and build-up.

“In the first half we were playing a lot of long balls and that wasn’t easy for us because they are strong in these situations. We spoke at half-time, the second half we needed to keep the ball more and continue building our idea to break the lines. In terms of being competitive, finding our moment, the team showed things that are very important.”

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