Unai Emery was sacked as Arsenal manager  Friday morning after turning up to training but being promptly dismissed before he headed out to the pitch.

Emery, who succeeded Arsene Wenger 18 months ago, was given his marching orders after the Gunners board decided to act on a dire run of results and performances and with his players happy to see the back of him.

Freddie Ljungberg has been placed in temporary charge as Arsenal search for a replacement.

Arsenal chiefs held a meeting on Friday morning to discuss his future following the loss and decided to can Emery.

Before the Frankfurt game, Emery was expected to get the chance to lead Arsenal into the match against Norwich and turn around their form.

But the defeat in the Europa League accelerated the process and they decided to end his contract early.

Emery arrived for training as usual on Friday morning before being informed by head of football Raul Sanllehi, managing director Vinai Venkatesham and technical director Edu that he had lost his job. 

He said his goodbyes to the players and left the training ground. Sportsmail understands key members of the playing squad were happy to see the back of Emery – having grown sick of his stale tactics and odd team selections.

Former Arsenal player Ljungberg has been put in interim charge of the team and has already met with the players to discuss their next steps. He took training on Friday morning ahead of the trip to Norwich.

Ljungberg tweeted: ‘However long I oversee @Arsenal for I will give everything I have to put smiles on faces again. We have a busy few weeks ahead and the team needs your support. Let’s get to work!’

Arsenal have also announced that they will now be carrying out the search for a new permanent head coach.

A statement from Josh Kroenke, son of majority owner Stan, said: ‘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.’

A further statement from an Arsenal spokesperson added: ‘The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required.’

Arsenal are understood to be keen on bringing in Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as Emery’s replacement.

But there is an awareness at the Emirates that they might find it difficult to prise him away from the Midlands in the middle of the season.

Another former midfielder Mikel Arteta is also thought to be a candidate for the role, having missed out when Emery was appointed. Massimiliano Allegri is the bookmakers’ favourite and another option. Mauricio Pochettino, fresh from managing Tottenham, is another name that has been mentioned but is unlikely to be willing to swap north London clubs. 

Former Valencia and Villarreal boss Marcelino is another manager who has admirers in the Gunners boardroom.-AFP