Petit: 'If I was Caicedo or Lavia, I would choose Liverpool'

This season, Kai Havertz moved from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates, thus becoming one of many, many players who changed one great London club for another. And the list is quite long. Among others: Nicolas Anelka, Ashley Cole, William Gallas, Cesc Fabregas, Petr Cech, David Luiz, Olivier Giroud, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and....Emmanuel Petit. The French international and World Cup winner in 1998 played 116 times for the Gunners between 1997 and 2000 and won the Premier League title before signing for Chelsea after a Barcelona episode and had only 76 appearances with no trophies. Petit recently talked about both clubs and waged Caicedo and Lavia deals to Chelsea (done for money), talked about Havertz (a great player) and Arteta (he should stay for a long time).

Petit gave his thoughts on a recent loss to West Ham and talked about today’s game against Luton.

“After losing against West Ham I thought it was such a poor second half from Chelsea. Can you imagine if they lose against Luton at home? Can you imagine the tragedy, the impact, the earthquake after the game especially after what happened last season? The patience from the fans isn’t there anymore. You have thirty-five players and are spending 100 million every two days! So even if they draw that will be a terrible result for Chelsea. I think Chelsea will win probably something like 2-0. It’s going to be a really difficult season for Luton” said the French.

Hammered Chelsea return to the drawing board

Of course, Petit was stating the obvious – enormous spending at the Stamford Bridge and too many new players. And he gave an interesting observation of Moises Caicedo’s decision to joining the Blues over Liverpool.

“Caicedo signed for Chelsea when he was linked with Liverpool, just like Romeo Lavia. I’m not going to say anything stupid but we all know why they went to Chelsea. Sportingly, the best decision right now would be to go to Liverpool. If I am Caicedo or Lavia, I’m going to Liverpool instead of Chelsea because I can’t see a clear plan for what is going on at Chelsea. Thirty-five players? Come on. How many players do they need? It’s going to be a nightmare just like what happened last season. When you look at Liverpool there is one area in particular that needs to be upgraded and that is the midfield area even though they signed new players in Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. If I was Caicedo I would have signed for Liverpool because I would reunite with Mac Allister and I would play with less pressure because so many of their midfield players have left the club. For me the answer is very easy. If you ask somebody why Caicedo and Lavia decided to go to Chelsea, the answer is just money. Money talks for the clubs and for the players” said Petit.

Former Premier League and World Cup winner says Arsenal must buy three or four players to keep the top spot

Since both his former clubs have new midfields this season, Petit was asked to say which team has better midfielders: Chelsea with Lavia, Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez or Arsenal with Rice, Partey and Odegaard?

“We haven’t seen that midfield play together yet at Chelsea. But if you are basing it only on the money, their name and what they have done before with their previous clubs, then I would say the Arsenal midfield is better. I think Rice did well on Monday. His first game was at home so I’m sure he was nervous and I think he will improve even more because he is entering a team that really enjoyed themselves last season especially in the midfield area. The fact that Xhaka left as well means that there isn’t really any big competition to earn your place so they don’t feel the same pressure. When you look at Chelsea, I have no idea what I can give you as an answer because they have never played together. On top of this, there are so many players in this area. I’m thinking every time I play for Chelsea will I get on the bench let alone the team-sheet?” said Petit.

Petit opens up about a rift with Henry in front of Wenger

The Frenchman is very much into Arteta’s philosophy and likes the Spanish tactician. In fact, he would like him to emulate Arsene Wenger and stay at the club for decades.

“Arteta is improving a lot as a manager since he arrived and, just like the players, the Champions League will be very interesting for him as well as a test of his maturity and management. I wish he could stay at Arsenal for years and years, that will mean bringing success back to the club, so I wish that for him. If he does very well, and I have a feeling that he will do something good with Arsenal, maybe he will want to go somewhere else. It’s very rare now to see a manager stay at the same club for 20 years, especially with the new owners and shareholders who do not think in the same way at football” said Petit.

The day when Sadio Mane ruined Doku's transfer to Liverpool

Just like him (and some other players, too), Kai Havertz changed one part of London for another. And the French international is happy to see the German at the Emirate.

“Football is crazy now and a club that spends 70 million on a player may not even be playing him anymore, and they could sell him. I wasn’t surprised that Chelsea wanted to sell him. Arsenal need to be patient but I’m pretty sure he will be a hit with Arsenal. He was struggling at the start of the season and against Crystal Palace he was lost at times on the pitch and wasn’t sure of his movements. I still believe that with the way he plays up front, he needs to improve his understanding with his new teammates. I believe he must improve his personality and character because he has quality. He was suffering over what happened with Chelsea last season but he was the best goalscorer for Chelsea last season. He has to fight against his own personality and character” said Petit.

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 3

Friday

22:00 (1.25) Chelsea (6.00) Luton (11.0)

Saturday

14:30 (3.80) Bournemouth (3.60) Tottenham (2.05)

17:00 (1.25) Arsenal (6.75) Fulham (13.0)

17:00 (2.10) Brentford (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.80)

17:00 (2.45) Everton (3.35) Wolves (3.15)

17:00 (1.35) Manchester United (5.30) Nottingham Forest (8.00)

19:30 (1.60) Brighton (4.10) West Ham (5.50)

Sunday

16:00 (3.20) Burnley (3.40) Aston Villa (2.25)

16:00 (15.0) Sheffield United (7.25) Manchester City (1.18)

18:30 (2.30) Newcastle (3.70) Liverpool (3.15)

***odds are subject to change