Portrayed as a fraud. Painted as a failed genius by others, there is more to Unai Emery’s tenure with Arsenal than meets the eye. Charged with the titanic assignment of returning Arsenal to Champions League ascension, Arsène Wenger’s successor highlighted the arrival of a new era. For the first time in over two decades, Arsenal […]
Author Archive | Raphael dF
“The leader’s always by himself in a time of doom.” – The Final Days of Unai Emery.
This piece is part of a soon to be released work on Unai Emery. To borrow a quote from the intimidating Mike Tyson in Dark Trade, “The leader’s always by himself in a time of doom.” As was Unai Emery. In his final match as Arsenal manager, fans held signs calling for change, “EMERY OUT […]
“You make me laugh!”: Inside Mesut Özil’s Fractured Relationship with Emery
This piece is part of a larger work on Unai Emery’s Arsenal tenure, which will soon be released… A magician on the pitch, Özil was an insanely talented Arsenal player but often inconsistent. A World Cup winner, the attacking midfielder possessed a tendency to alternate between incredible performances to then being known for, “going missing […]
Zaha, Maguire and Partey: Inside Arsenal’s 2019 Transfer Window – Failed Targets and Lost Leaders
This piece is part of a larger work on Unai Emery – soon to be published in its entirety here on Gunners Town. Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations went up in flames. Torched by Wilfred Zaha, the dynamic forward brushed by Shkodran Mustafi with ease. As Zaha sped by, he scored his side’s second goal. On […]
Europa League Final Fallout. A Glance Back at Arsenal’s Miserable European Finale
This piece is part of a larger work on the Unai Emery Era – Keep a watchful eye on Gunners Town for the entire upcoming project. Azerbaijan. The Land of Fire. Inside the Baku Olympic Stadium, one final match would make or break Arsenal’s season. Heralded as King of the Europa League, Unai Emery had […]
Happy Birthday Aaron Ramsey. An Arsenal Hero.
“It’s a stunning goal! By Aaron Ramsey! Arsenal’s man of the season has done it again!” In awe, commentator Alan Parry narrated a marvellous, outside of the box strike by the Welshman. The year was 2013. Aaron Ramsey was in the form of his life and Arsenal were top of the Premier League. Aaron Ramsey […]
Arsenal Hit New Low. Dressing Room Unrest as Club Drowns.
Outrageous. Arsenal’s dreadful loss highlights the underlying issues at the club. Beaten by Burnley for the first time in 46 years, Arsenal’s shocking fall from grace continues. Relegated from European Football’s most prestigious competition, to the dismal depths of the Europa League, Arsenal’s standards have lowered considerably. Once one of the Premier League’s finest teams, […]
Happy Birthday Danny Welbeck – An Arsenal Tribute.
Former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck celebrates his 30th birthday today. Welbeck was a hardworking, likeable and perhaps underappreciated player. Remember that dramatic, do-or-die goal against Leicester City? That’s what Welbeck was all about. Sadly, injuries to an extent tarnished his career. A trip down a Welbeck themed Memory Lane. Signed from Manchester United in September […]
Arsène Wenger Stadium – Why The Emirates Should Be Renamed
Doesn’t it seem strange that there is no Arsène Wenger statue outside of the Emirates Stadium? Despite all of the sacrifices, hard work and achievements at Arsenal, Arsène Wenger has never been properly rewarded or acknowledged for his 22 years at the club. His Arsenal legacy has not been appropriately respected. Arsène Wenger is Arsenal’s […]
Özil and Arsenal – Caught in a Bad Romance
For far too long Özil and Arsenal have been intertwined in a sadly tragic affair. Both player and club are reminding me of the hit Lady Gaga song, Bad Romance. One particular line in the song goes as follows, “You and me could write a bad romance”. That line is strangely fitting as I am […]