Unai Emery has been sacked by Arsenal after 18 months in charge. 

It was widely reported that he's been close to losing his job for a while now and a 2-1 defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday was the final nail in the coffin. 

That result means the Gunners are winless in seven games heading into this weekend's Premier League fixture with Norwich City - their worst run since 1992.

Freddie Ljungberg has stepped into the role of first-team manager on a temporary basis until a permanent manager can be hired.   

But it's not yet clear when that will happen. 

A club statement from Arsenal reads:

"We announce today that the decision has been taken to part company with our head coach Unai Emery and his coaching team.

"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. We wish Unai and his team nothing but future success.

"The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required.

"We have asked Freddie Ljungberg to take responsibility for the first team as interim head coach. We have full confidence in Freddie to take us forward.

"The search for a new head coach is underway and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete." 

The news will be welcomed by a majority of the club's supporters. 

In recent weeks, Arsenal's fanbase has turned toxic, with many calling for Emery to go - much like they did in the final few months of Arsene Wenger's reign.  

Against Frankfurt, some supporters were seen holding 'Emery Out' signs and their calls have now been answered. 

Although Ljungberg will take charge of the Premier League trip to Norwich, it's expected that Arsenal will bring in a new manager very soon. 

Massimiliano Allegri and Nuno Espírito Santo are two of the front runners to take the job, according to The Telegraph. 

Emery's reign at Arsenal may have turned sour in recent weeks, but he actually leaves the club with a respectable record. 

The Spaniard took charge of 78 games, winning 43, drawing 16 and losing 19. That gives him a win record of 55.1%. 

However, he failed to win a single trophy during the 2018/19 season and many fans believed that the club were making little progress. 

But what happens next is hard to predict. Will Ljungberg be able to steady the ship as interim boss and will Emery's permanent successor be able to turn things around this season? 

Or, is the 2019/20 campaign now a write-off? Only time will tell.