Unai Emery

[brontebilly]

I've been critical of some of his selections of late and last night was certainly a bold one. But they all worked out Maatsen/Rashford on the left particularly. Subs at half time changed the game instantly and knocked us out of a dull funk. Ideal night for Emery.

[Hookeysmith]

Unai is doing ok.

He's earned himself a bit of breathing space with that win.

Hmmmm…I am split here. This break would be a nice time to get Big Sam in so he can mould players to his unique way of playing on the other hand I think he deserves the Preston gig🤔

Or to replace Fraudiola

[paul_e]

I've been critical of some of his selections of late and last night was certainly a bold one. But they all worked out Maatsen/Rashford on the left particularly. Subs at half time changed the game instantly and knocked us out of a dull funk. Ideal night for Emery.

Were we in a dull funk or was our plan to shut the game down in the first half? Emery didn't seem unhappy with how things were going so I suspect the 1st half went exactly as we wanted it to.

[Brazilian Villain]

Were we in a dull funk or was our plan to shut the game down in the first half? Emery didn't seem unhappy with how things were going so I suspect the 1st half went exactly as we wanted it to.

My thoughts exactly. As they were down to 10 men and not posing a threat he took Kamara off (as he had a prior yellow) and went for the kill. The tie was over after 60 minutes, and we just saw out the rest of the game whilst giving some minutes to Torres.

[LeeB]

Were we in a dull funk or was our plan to shut the game down in the first half? Emery didn't seem unhappy with how things were going so I suspect the 1st half went exactly as we wanted it to.

My thoughts exactly. As they were down to 10 men and not posing a threat he took Kamara off (as he had a prior yellow) and went for the kill. The tie was over after 60 minutes, and we just saw out the rest of the game whilst giving some minutes to Torres.

It was a bit frustrating at the game watching, but then I kept telling myself this is why he is what he is, and why he's been so successful.

[paul_e]

Were we in a dull funk or was our plan to shut the game down in the first half? Emery didn't seem unhappy with how things were going so I suspect the 1st half went exactly as we wanted it to.

My thoughts exactly. As they were down to 10 men and not posing a threat he took Kamara off (as he had a prior yellow) and went for the kill. The tie was over after 60 minutes, and we just saw out the rest of the game whilst giving some minutes to Torres.

It was a bit frustrating at the game watching, but then I kept telling myself this is why he is what he is, and why he's been so successful.

It was just as shit watching on TV but, as you say, if a bit of boredom at times is the cost for us to achieve some meaningful success then I doubt many people will remember the odd dull performance.

[Dave]

Were we in a dull funk or was our plan to shut the game down in the first half? Emery didn't seem unhappy with how things were going so I suspect the 1st half went exactly as we wanted it to.

My thoughts exactly. As they were down to 10 men and not posing a threat he took Kamara off (as he had a prior yellow) and went for the kill. The tie was over after 60 minutes, and we just saw out the rest of the game whilst giving some minutes to Torres.

It was a bit frustrating at the game watching, but then I kept telling myself this is why he is what he is, and why he's been so successful.

It was just as shit watching on TV but, as you say, if a bit of boredom at times is the cost for us to achieve some meaningful success then I doubt many people will remember the odd dull performance.

Yup. Liverpool decided to come out flying at the start of their game to try and kill the tie off, promptly conceded, never got their momentum back and ended up going out.

The first half was absolutely fine.

[Drummond]

There were a few moaning around me, but I fully expected us to play as we did. If there's anything we've learned about Emery it's that he's pragmatic.

Pretty well executed I thought.

[Jon Crofts]

There were a few moaning around me, but I fully expected us to play as we did. If there's anything we've learned about Emery it's that he's pragmatic.

Pretty well executed I thought.

Same, loads of moaning and groaning first half, mind you we did fanny about a fair bit around our own box far too much for my liking but as you say, I expected a cagey opening period, control them, minimise their attacking threat. We did exactly that, the red card was a bonus and second half we did exactly what I expected us to do.

[Somniloquism]

Yup. Liverpool decided to come out flying at the start of their game to try and kill the tie off, promptly conceded, never got their momentum back and ended up going out.

The first half was absolutely fine.

I would argue that Liverpool got plenty of momentum against PSG in the second half, just "PSG'd" it with their finishing. Then "Twent" dived into the advertising hoardings and PSG were not being as overwhelmed apart from a couple of long balls.

Also, in the Mings interview he stated we didn't do the exact plan first half BUT instead of letting emotions get in the way and causing issues, we just settled until half time. I have to admit though, they didn't really do anything of note in the 16 mins before the sending off, or the rest of the 1st half.

[brontebilly]

I've been critical of some of his selections of late and last night was certainly a bold one. But they all worked out Maatsen/Rashford on the left particularly. Subs at half time changed the game instantly and knocked us out of a dull funk. Ideal night for Emery.

Were we in a dull funk or was our plan to shut the game down in the first half? Emery didn't seem unhappy with how things were going so I suspect the 1st half went exactly as we wanted it to.

I didn't think we were playing that great anyway. No outlet at all on the right with Rogers, Watkins struggling up front again. Kind of sleepwalking into trouble. Thought our shape looked so much better right from the start of the second half. McGinn back in the centre wins it and the two subs combining for the goal. They weren't like for like subs which suggests Emery wasn't that happy with things, McGinn and Rogers also changed position.

[SamTheMouse]

I get a bit frustrated at Emery sometimes for seemingly sending the team out to play slowly and conserve energy.

But last night was one of those occasions that called for exactly that.

[N'ZMAV]

This stage of the season it's just about winning.

[Footy-Vill]

Unai reiterated time and again and message is clear that the premier league is a priority and to finish in the champions league places.

[Drummond]

Hmmm. Not sure.