Emery pays ultimate price for Arsenal's recent poor form
basis. It is understood that 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.
Instead, Ljungberg took the training session ahead of his first game in charge away at Norwich tomorrow.
"We announce that the decision has been taken to part company with our head coach Unai Emery and his coaching team," a statement on the Arsenal website read.
"Speaking on behalf of the Arsenal board and our owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Josh Kroenke 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.'
"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 under way and we will make a further announcement when that process is complete."
Ljungberg appeared to allude to the current mood around the club's London Colney training ground as he tweeted for the first time since his appointment as interim boss.
He wrote: "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!"