Headline: Arsenal announces manager Unai Emery has been sacked

The tenure of Spanish manager Uani Emery has officially come to an end for Arsenal FC. On Friday morning, the club announced the 48-year-old manager has been relieved of his duties effective immediately. 

Photo from: Arsenal F.C.

Emery’s sacking doesn’t come as a big surprise, as Arsenal has had its struggles in the English Premier League this season. Through 13 matches, the Gunners have posted four wins, six draws and three losses. Their 18 points and -1 goal differential has them in eighth place of the league standings. 

On Thursday evening in an Europa League clash against Eintracht, Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat in front of its home fans at the Emirates Stadium in London. 

Following the loss, the Arsenal hierarchy reportedly met this morning and informed Emery that he’d indeed be sacked. 

The manager was at the helm of the club for 18 months, finishing fifth in the EPL last season. Arsenal is winless in its last seven matches, which ultimately led to the tough decision to let Emery go. 

“Our most sincere thanks go to Unai and his colleagues who were unrelenting in their efforts to get the club back to competing at the level we all expect and demand,” Josh Kreinke said on behalf of the Arsenal executive board. “We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success.”

With Emery out as manager, assistant Freddie Ljungberg will take over as interim head coach. Arsenal said in its club statement the search for a new permanent head coach is already underway.