Arsenal have not won in their last four Premier League matches and a Premier League legend has opened up on specific players that might ruin Arteta's title quest.
TOPSHOT - Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Premier League legend Gary Neville has spoken out about the leadership of Arsenal players after their recent struggles in the title race. The Gunners have failed to win in their last four matches, including a 4-1 defeat to title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
Neville, speaking on The Overlap, questioned whether Arsenal’s senior players were providing enough guidance and leadership to their younger teammates during the most pressurised moments of the season. He specifically mentioned Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Thomas Partey as players who may not be stepping up as leaders when it matters most.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: (L) Thomas Partey and (2ndL) Oleksandr Zinchenko console (2ndR) Gabriel Martinelli after his penalty was saved during the shoot out during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Arsenal FC and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“When you actually get to the highest pressurised moments in the biggest matches in the crux of the season, are they leaders then?” Neville asked. “Arsenal’s senior players… didn’t impact the rest of their team-mates on the pitch, I don’t believe. In fact, they contributed to the difficulties they were having in the matches.”
This criticism comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table with 75 points after 33 games. However, they are closely followed by second-placed Manchester City, who have 73 points and two games in hand.
If Arsenal want to maintain their position at the top of the table and secure their first Premier League title since 2004, they will need their senior players to step up and provide guidance and leadership during these crucial moments.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: (L-R) Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It’s not just about individual performances – it’s about how those performances contribute to a cohesive team effort. As Neville pointed out, younger players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli need that guidance from their more experienced teammates in order to perform at their best.
If Arsenal want to succeed in this title race, they will need all hands on deck – including those of their senior players. It remains to be seen whether they will rise to the occasion and provide the leadership that their team needs.
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