Unai Emery's 18 months at Arsenal came to an end on Friday. 

The Spaniard was sacked following a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, which left the Gunners winless in seven and on their worst run since 1992. 

But in truth, Emery's fate was already sealed before Thursday's loss. 

According to the Mirror, cracks were beginning to appear as early as April and the situation never really improved after that. 

So, now the dust has settled, check out a detailed timeline of failures that led to Arsenal sacking Emery. 

April 2019

The 'rot and doubt' sets in for Emery.

He was able to take the Gunners all the way to the Europa League final last season, but they were humbled by Chelsea at the final hurdle and missed out on Champions League qualification.

Since then, their form has never really recovered. 

August 2019

Arsenal's board is determined to back Emery with a big summer spending spree that includes £72 million club-record signing Nicolas Pepe. 

However, the new players failed to make a proper impact under the Spaniard. 

September 2019

After weeks of discussion, Granit Xhaka is finally named as Arsenal's new captain - a decision that looks terrible in hindsight.

But interestingly, the Mirror reports that a club psychiatrist persuaded Emery to get the players to elect their captain. That was seen as weak leadership. 

October 2019

Arsenal play newly-promoted Sheffield United knowing a win would send them second in the Premier League

Instead, they lost and a winless run of seven games begins, with the fanbase turning on Emery. 

Monday, November 25, 2019

Board members Vinai Venkatesham and Raul Sanllehi went to the US to meet Josh and Stan Kroenke as early as Monday to make their final decision on Emery's sacking. 

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Arsenal lose 2-1 to Frankfurt. Some board members were at the game and have final discussions with the Kroenke's before acting quickly. 

Friday, November 29, 2019

Emery is called in to meet Sanllehi when he arrives at Arsenal's training ground.

Per the Mirror, he is told of the decision but remains 'calm and respectful, even hugging members of staff, taking time to say goodbyes and wishing players well'.

So, it seems Friday's sacking was coming for some time - with the seeds being planted as early as April. 

Emery was brought in to take Arsenal back to the Champions League in his first season, but he ultimately failed in his objective. Since then, it was only a matter of time.