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Football London
Football London
Sport
Andy Ha & James Benge

Unai Emery's heated argument with one Arsenal star gives Raul Sanllehi a big decision to make

Unai Emery faces mounting pressure after his Arsenal side could only 2-2 draw at home to Southampton at the weekend.

The Gunners' failure to beat Ralph Hassenhuttl's side leaves them eighth in the Premier League table and eight points adrift of the top four.

Fans at the Emirates made their feelings clear at the final whistle with loud jeers for Emery and his team.

Speaking after the game, Emery admitted that he could understand why supporters vented their frustrations.

"We are disappointed, we are frustrated and I understand the supporters," he said.

"We did deserve more today. We lost a very good opportunity to connect with our supporters, they helped us but really we know here [Emirates Stadium] is the key. To feel comfortable and strong here to take confidence but we didn't do that.

"The first-half, we were drawing but how we were playing wasn't enough. We started the second-half better, we changed and I think it was the best 20 minutes of the whole season.

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"We created chances, we didn't score but I was happy in that moment because I wanted to look at our players. Then, they scored we were better maybe and we took some risks after that to draw but we conceded more chances.

"We drew in the last minute but that's not enough. Really, we and the fans can be disappointed and angry because of the result."

football.london  revealed earlier this month that several younger members of Arsenal's first-team squad are confused by Emery's management, they do not appear to be alone.

Lacazette scored twice against Southampton including the stoppage time equaliser, but the French striker was seen engaging in what looked like a heated row with his manager earlier in the second half.

The exchange happened during a delay when Southampton had a player down injured and added to the several on-pitch incidents in recent weeks where players have visibly questioned or disobeyed their head coach in forthright terms.

Kieran Tierney was seen appearing to tell Emery to 'calm down' when the Arsenal boss shouted instructions from the technical area during the 1-1 draw with Wolves at the beginning of the month.

The Granit Xhaka situation has also weakened Emery's position after being forced to strip the midfielder of the armband just six weeks after appointing the Swiss international as his captain - a decision which was reportedly unpopular in the Arsenal dressing room.

With the reports of player unrest and the scenes of fan discontent, The Times claim Arsenal chiefs are interested in talking to Mikel Arteta and Massimiliano Allegri about potentially replacing Emery, with Arteta reportedly keen to discuss the role.

However, Emery is understood to be safe in his job for now, and is expected to take charge of the Europa League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

 
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