Mailbag Questions

An (unprovable) theory: we make top four last year if we don’t play City and Chelsea first. Emery seemed to have a plan, and it there were signs it could work with time and repetition, but Emery panicked. If there had been time for the pattern to establish itself, would things have been different, or would the reversion have been inevitable?

Dennis Bergkmp said that at some point, he had to stop and remember that it was just a game and meant to be fun. Are coaches like Emery, Simeone, Mourinho, et al taking the fun out of football?

Is this season possibly the worst advert for premiership excellence since it started or in fact is the best as so many teams have a chance of European football qualification than ever before?

Warren Butson

Assuming that everyone is fit and available for the remainder of the season and all teams play to their maximum potential for the duration of the season - what do you think the order of the top six would be? I’ve heard a lot of people say they expect top four based on the flaws of our rivals but I’m curious as to where we are amongst the top six if we assume everyone (ourselves included) are playing to their maximum potential

Its probably too soon to ask but, do we make any signings in January? The one real area that stands out to me is that ball carrying, athletically dominant central midfielder. But despite the usefulness of this addition to the squad (and possibly Emery's plan, considering his use of Torreira this season so far) with Emery's future up in the air, does it make sense to go for this player before we know who's in charge in the summer? Is it solely contingent on where we are competitively come January?

Who are the realistic replacements for Emery? Everyone talks about replacing him, which I am inclined to agree, but who fits the bill? Do we looks for someone who fits the Arsenal DNA, or should we go for a more defensive coach and go back to basics before appointing a Freddie/Arteta style manager?

Will Bellerin and Tierney solve our defensive weakness? If not what will?

Have been spending a lot of time wondering if Emery has a plan or shape for us, and if so, what that could be. Got me wondering if, with most players being fit, we'd look and play somewhat like Liverpool do? The midfield isn't there to create. They're the engine that gets the ball to the full backs and most of the creativity comes down the wings? Would that explain why we look bereft of a plan? Cause the current fullbacks just don't have the skill or athleticism to play the way he wants?

Are you worried that Xhaka's reputation with the fanbase will be fully Mustafied if he keeps on playing every premier league game? Reading through the Mustafi interview makes me worry about Xhaka as a human being and I also worry that fans booing him might also hurt his resale value

Imagine we kept Sanchez and sold Ozil. Do you think sanchez would’ve been better for emery’s Arsenal and he wouldn’t have fallen as bad as he has since the move?

I think we are all united in agreeing that Unai is not the man to take Arsenal forward. But should we change now or wait until the summer? If we change now what is to be gained? and if we are to change now who would you the job to? Is Freddie a risk worth taking at this point? (imo things are not bad enough to pull the trigger yet, I would not do so unless we are in mid table, there is an obvious players revolt or a Klopp level uber-coach becomes available)

Clarification: not just a contract extension; assume they will stay for all 7 years

If you could lockdown 4 of our current players for the next 7 years, who would you pick?

I have had some while to think during the interlull.. my questions are 1. Have we been too harsh on Emery given all the mitigating factors he has been dealing with (injuries, underperformance etc)? Should we just sit back and give unwavering support? 2. Is the issue between mesuit and Emery personal or truly performance related?