Arteta and Arsenal a 'good marriage', says Emery as he praises Gunners boss

The ex-Gunners head coach has spoken highly of his successor at the Emirates ahead of the Europa League semi-finals.

Unai Emery considers Arsenal and Mikel Arteta to be “a good marriage” despite the Gunners’ struggles under their former captain.

The start to Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal was quite promising, with the manager even guiding them to FA Cup glory in his first season in charge, but things have only gone downhill from there.

The London side’s hopes of securing European football via Premier League qualification is all but over as they currently sit down at tenth in the league standings, nine points below the last Europa League spot and 13 below the lowest Champions League spot.

However, they are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League and take a trip to Villarreal on Thursday for the fist leg.

Emery told UEFA’s official website: “Arteta is putting his own stamp on things – in the way they play, it’s easy to identify he’s bringing back that Arsenal tradition of playing attractive football.

“His first steps as Pep Guardiola’s assistant have helped him to position himself in this new profession which is being the manager. Now he has been given this opportunity at Arsenal, and I think it’s a good place to develop because he is much loved by Arsenal thanks to the time he spent in the team.

“He had his time [playing] there with Arsene Wenger so I’m sure he can apply everything he learned. I think it’s a good marriage: Arteta-Arsenal, Arsenal-Arteta.”