Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has questioned the Gunners’ “mental fortitude” in the Premier League title race after their home defeat to Manchester United.
Matheus Cunha scored a sensational winning goal in the 87th minute to give Michael Carrick’s United a 3-2 win and leave leaders Arsenal stunned at the Emirates Stadium.
The result is a wake-up call for Arsenal, who have cut their lead at the top of the Premier League from seven points to four after a three-game winless run.
“We are still four points behind, but there are still doubts about the mental strength of the team,” Vieira told Sky Sports.
“It’s not just that they lost games, it’s the way they lost games. (Bukayo) Saka and (Leandro) Trossard didn’t do enough to worry United.
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Watch for free: Highlights of Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Man United
“They need a leader who will lift the team’s spirits. They need to understand that on the pitch they have to play with more energy and risks. They have quality.”
“They didn’t play with the freedom to express themselves.”
He added: “They need to go back to basics.
“To express yourself, play freely and move forward. Too many players didn’t perform today.
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was dejected after the 3-2 defeat against Manchester United.
“It was a must-win game. They needed to send a message to the other teams in the league.
Arteta responds to Vieira’s criticism: I accept all opinions
Asked about Vieira’s comments, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side must show mental strength if they are to achieve their goals this season.
He said, “That’s fine, we’ll accept all opinions, where they come from, where they come from, and they’ll have a valid reason to say it.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was disappointed that his team conceded a lead to Manchester United at home but lost 3-2.
“Finally, on game day we have to show the mental strength we have on the pitch, and we were really good at Milan, but today we weren’t that good.
“I don’t know if it was mentally because of the amount they played, but we were inferior in certain aspects of the game, especially technically, against a team that punishes you a lot if you make a mistake. That was the difference.”
Keane: Arsenal seem scared of the challenge
Odegaard’s reaction after Arsenal defeat
Roy Keane accused Arsenal of being scared and urged Arteta’s side to accept the pressure of competing for the title.
“The pressure was on Arsenal today. They looked at the other results and are giving their all in all competitions. That’s the pressure. They’re feeling the pressure.”
“That’s how they deal with it. It’s cost them the last few years when they’ve been in good positions.”
“The signs in the last few weeks: against Liverpool, against Forest and today. We have lost that momentum.
“I can’t believe they don’t look like a confident team. Look at the game, they clearly have a chance.
“They have to go back to basics and embrace this challenge instead of fearing it.”
Nev: Man City will be excited
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Gary Neville wonders where Arsenal’s anxiety is coming from and says Arsenal were hurt by their own mistakes against Man United
Gary Neville said on his podcast that Manchester City and Josep Guardiola are ready to take advantage of Arsenal’s lackluster form.
Asked if he was excited that Manchester City were just four points behind, Neville said: “Just a little bit.
“I was wondering if you were Mikel Arteta, what do you do to reset in the morning?
“If you were Pep Guardiola… if you were our manager at the time, he would support us. So if Pep Guardiola went to the game tomorrow morning, he would say, ‘Are you sure you’re going to ignore this? They were nervous and anxious.’
“I think he must really be saying to them, ‘Do you want this? Because they’re struggling, because if you want it, it’s there.’
“It’s going to bite you a bit. I know Josep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are doing well and they’re working well together. But if I were City, they would have lost last week, but if they saw this today, they’d be proud. You’d think they’d come back in this situation.”
“Four points. Let’s take them to March and April. Let’s get on their shoulders. Let’s see what they’re doing. And that’s what I would say if I were Pep Guardiola. I’m sure he would say that to the players. Let’s get on the shoulders of this team and see what they’re doing.”
