Simon Jordan believes Unai Emery has proven he was 'the right manager at the wrong time' for Arsenal after securing the Europa League title with Aston Villa. Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the final, marking their first major European trophy since 1982. Emery, who previously won the Europa League three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal, now has five titles in the competition.
Emery's Success at Villa
The Spaniard, sacked by Arsenal after 18 months, is on the verge of securing a top-four finish for Villa for the second time in three Premier League seasons, needing only a draw against Manchester City on the final day. Jordan, former Crystal Palace owner, praised Emery as the best manager in the Premier League given the resources at his disposal.
Jordan's Analysis
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: 'He was sought after by Newcastle, but Villarreal's chairman blocked the move. Then Villa came along. I liked his interview last night where he said, 'we are going to go on, this is not the end of the road.' It wasn't a soundbite; it's what he believes.' Jordan added: 'It proves Arsenal weren't wrong to hire him. He was the right person at the wrong time. The media ridiculed his English, but no one is laughing now.'
Jordan concluded: 'Given the tools he has, he's arguably the best manager in the Premier League. Some will say that's ridiculous because of Pep Guardiola, but considering the different environments, he's done a brilliant job. Emery is a very good manager at a very good club. Villa can stabilise as a Champions League and top-four club.'
