Jamie Redknapp Praises 'Aggressive' Arsenal for Improved Mentality Under Unai Emery

Jamie Redknapp has praised Arsenal for their improved mentality under manager Unai Emery, insisting the Gunners were soft before the Spaniard's arrival. Emery

Jamie Redknapp has praised Arsenal for their improved mentality under manager Unai Emery, insisting the Gunners were soft before the Spaniard's arrival.

Emery joined the club in the summer following the end of Arsène Wenger's era at the Emirates and was tasked with revitalising a team that had performed well below its own standards for years, to the frustration of fans and experts.

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Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches since losing their opening two and following their most recent victory against Bournemouth on Sunday, Sky Sports pundit Redknapp noted how the Londoners have become a tougher side to compete with after years of questionable performances under Wenger.

"I think they've changed the mentality too. In the last few years, they've been soft," he told Sky Sports News. "How many times have we spoken about how they have no strength in the midfield?

"Too many times we'd see someone overrun them, overpower them, last year Xhaka had someone run off the back of him at Bournemouth when they scored the winner.

"Those things can't happen, but they were happening time and time again under Arsene Wenger. They are more resilient, they are stronger."

Under Emery, the Gunners are targeting a return to the Champions League, a task that will require them to finish in the league's top four. Redknapp thinks reaching their goal will be a big ask for Arsenal but believes their manager's influence could lead them in the right direction.

"There's still a long way to go, the top four will be a big ask, but I like what I see," he added.

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"I think the manager has got them going, they're aggressive, they get to the ball more, and that's what you've got to do if you want to win any sort of title."