Thierry Henry says Arsenal got it wrong with Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta

Arsenal great Thierry Henry has labelled Aston Villa boss Unai Emery a “tactical genius” and feels he deserved to be given more time when in command of the Gunners.

Thierry Henry thinks Unai Emery “would have been a success at Arsenal” if given more time.

Emery took over at Arsenal in 2018, succeeding iconic manager Arsene Wenger after 22 years in charge. However, Emery was fired after only 18 months in leadership and replaced by former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta.

While Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into serious Premier League championship contenders, Henry believes Emery would have achieved the same if he had not been fired. Since leaving Arsenal, Emery has won the Europa League with Villarreal and led Aston Villa to the Champions League.

Before Villa’s 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, Henry told CBS Sports, “He’s a tactical genius.” He constantly goes out and ensures that his side has a tactical edge since that is how he operates.

“We all know what he accomplished in Spain [winning the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal].” It’s no insult to Mikel Arteta, who is doing an excellent job at Arsenal, but I simply believed if we had kept him a little longer, he would have been a success.

“He showed it right after he left the club. I have tremendous regard for him.”

Jamie Carragher, a fellow commentator and former Liverpool defender, said: “I think he’s amazing. I believe he is one of the top coaches in European football.

“He has had enormous success in Europe, not in this tournament, but in the Europa League, notably with Sevilla and Villarreal. I believe Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the English Premier League, and he comes in second place.

“He’s not at one of the biggest teams, and considering the impact a manager can have on a football club… I’ve always believed that the manager is the most important person in a club, and he exemplifies that.

“When he entered, the squad was on the verge of relegation, but within a few years, they were in the Champions League. It is incredible what he has accomplished.”

Emery’s status will only grow after he orchestrated one of Villa’s best nights in recent memory. After winning their Champions League comeback against Young Boys, Bayern’s visit was their first chance to face one of Europe’s heavyweights.

And after a tense match at Villa Park, Jhon Duran struck the decisive strike to win a memorable victory and send a powerful message to their Champions League opponents.