Ashley Cole says Arsenal still need time to adapt to Unai Emery

Ashley Cole says Arsenal still need time to adapt to Unai Emery

Former Gunner Ashley Cole believes new Arsenal still need time to adapt to the ideas of new manager Unai Emery.

Emery replaced the long-serving Arsene Wenger at the end of last season, but has endured a difficult start to his career in North London.


The Gunners lost their opening game of the season 2-0 to reigning champions Manchester City, and were edged out by London rivals Chelsea 3-2 on Saturday in a thrilling affair at Stamford Bridge.

Victory over West Ham yesterday eased worries slightly, however Cole has insisted his former side still need time to adapt to Emery and his unique style of management.

“I used to watch the games with [Wenger] in the long jacket and you don’t see that any more,” Cole said.

“But times change, people move on, and I think it was his time to go. And obviously they’ve brought in a new manager with new ideas and a new philosophy.

“I think it might take a little bit of time, he has to gel the players together, he’s got a few new players.

“To put his philosophy across and how he wants to play, I don’t think it’s going to happen straight away.”

Another of Cole’s former sides, Chelsea, however, have enjoyed a quite different start to the new season.

The Blues have won both of their first two games against Huddersfield Town and of course Arsenal, and take on Newcastle this afternoon hoping to make it three wins out of three.

And Cole, who spent eight seasons with the club between 2006-2014, insists if they keep up their good form, they could emerge as shock contenders for the title this season.

“Chelsea have gone about their business a little bit quiet in terms of having a new manager,” Cole said to ESPN FC.

“They should be fighting for the title, but I don’t think people are [thinking that way] at the minute.

“To get six points from two games, it’s a fantastic start. They’ve just got to keep going.”