Arsenal supporters may be divided on the best performance since Unai Emery became manager, but I am in no doubt about his most impressive display.

It came in the pre-match press conference before this week’s Europa League win over Vitoria SC, Emery offering an impassioned defence of his reign and plans to move the club forward.

This is the Emery many expected when he replaced Arsene Wenger - animated, feisty, ready to throw a few punches for himself and his club. It is the Emery we have not previously seen at Arsenal, showing qualities his team lacks. We need to see and hear it more.

It has been a problem for Emery getting his message across to supporters in his dealings with the media. As an Arsenal fan you would worry if this is replicated behind closed doors with the players.

All the points Emery made on Wednesday must have been burning inside him for months and it is a pity it has taken serious criticism in the wake of the defeat to Sheffield United to prompt a reaction. He could and should have done this earlier to reassure those who are understandably confused about the direction of the club, argue key decisions have been taken without a clear explanation of the strategy behind them, and crave to know as much as possible about their manager’s perspectives on a range of issues so they can get on board.