Unai Emery digs out Jhon Duran example in surprise Arsenal admission

It was Duran’s 16th-minute opener that set Villa on their way to all three points on Saturday afternoon, but Emery took more notice of the Colombian’s defensive work rather than his goal.

Duran snuffed out several of Man City’s cut-back attempts and cleared away the danger as the visitors sought a second half fightback. Emery, impressed by his number nine’s awareness and work rate, pointed out a moment from near the start of his tenure to emphasise just how strong that area of Duran’s game has become.

Arsenal’s 4-2 win at Villa Park in February 2023 is often revisited by Emery as he was infuriated by the defending that allow the Gunners two goals in second-half stoppage time. Emi Martinez’s own goal - from a Jorginho long-range shot - was particularly frustrating for Emery as there was nobody at the edge of the box to defend.

“He arrived two years ago. He is in a process,” Emery said of Duran in Saturday’s post-match press conference. “Two years ago we lost here 4-2 to Arsenal and were demanding for the striker to be close to the box and Jorginho scored.

“The minute 60 or 70 today, they had the ball in the box and Duran was there taking the ball and starting our transition. This is the example. It is good. Two years ago we asked him to do it, now he is doing it. He is scoring too.”

Goals win football matches but Emery demands so much more from every single one of his players. As soon as an individual steps below the mark, they will know about it. Duran has argued with the head coach plenty in the past but the 21-year-old is benefiting from Emery’s hard-nosed approach.

“I think he (Duran) has big potential and his mixing as well, with the idea we have tactically. I think he is understanding better, his commitment is better than the last two years. He was improving but not getting the level we wanted, now he is there. With Ollie Watkins we have to use both but it is very good news for me, the club and the team. They are performing,” Emery added.