Vieira and Wenger comment on Arsenal’s defeat
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 26.01.26. | 20:23
Former captain talked about Arsenal's players while the French coach praised Carrick
The season started brightly and Arsenal soon took the top spot in the Premier League. While City and especially Liverpool lost points, the Gunners were picking them easily. But now, at the end of January, the title race seems to be wide open again. The reason? Arsenal’s poor form. Mikel Arteta’s men managed only two points from their last three league games, as they got a point against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool and were defeated by Manchester United. This last loss, against clearly a weaker side with an interim manager really shook the club. Former player credits mental strength.
Arsenal now have only four points more than Manchester City and Aston Villa. Many fans still have nightmares when they recall seasons in which the Gunners held on the first spot, only to blew it away at the end of the season. Former captain Patrick Vieira talked about Arsenal’s issues with ‘mental strength’.
“They're still four points clear, but there's still questions about the mental strength of the team. It's not just that they lost the game, it's the way they lost the game. Saka and Trossard didn't produce enough to worry United. They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team. They need to understand when they are on the pitch they have to play with more energy and more risks. They have the quality. They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team. They need to understand when they are on the pitch they have to play with more energy and more risks. They have the quality. They didn't play with the freedom to express themselves” said the Frenchman.
The legendary midfielder was pressed and named some players who were bellow their usual quality.
“The strength of the team is to create chances and score goals. Especially when they are at home, they are really aggressive with the ball. Some of the players need to perform at their best. There were too many players who didn't perform. It was a must-win game for them today, because it was important for them to send a message. I think Saka was too quiet. You think he is on of the best offensive players, in bog games like that you expect him to perform. Trossard is an important player as well. He didn't perform. Up front, Jesus ran a lot, spent a lot of energy, but you want him to be more inside the box. In midfield, the only one was Declan Rice, winning balls and one-on-one, but there were too many players who played below their level” said Vieira.
On other side, famous Arsene Wenger gave credit to the Manchester United interim manager.
“I think there is something going on in this Man United team between the way they beat Man City and the way they beat Arsenal today. The way they played was very convincing and as well, when Arsenal came back to 2-2 usually it's the home team who wins the game. United found again the resources to score the third goal and to win 3-2 away from home in a top game, I have to congratulate Carrick. He has created something. When you concede three goals at home it's difficult to win. The goals scored on both sides illustrated a little bit the way the two teams played. I believe that Carrick has found a good formula that is a good balance between defensive stability and a good technical level. It's the first time I felt the Arsenal centre backs were a bit more nervous and less dominant than usually in the games” said the legendary manager on beIN Sports.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 23
Saturday
West Ham - Sunderland 3-1 (3-0)
/Summerville 14, Bowen 28 pen, Fernandes 43 - Brobbey 66/
Burnley - Tottenham 2-2 (1-1)
/Tuanzebe 45, Foster 76 - Van de Ven 38, Romero 90/
Fulham - Brighton 2-1 (0-1)
/Chukwueze 72, Wilson 90+2 - Ayari 28/
Man. City - Wolverhampton 2-0 (2-0)
/Marmoush 6, Semenyo 45+2/
Bournemouth - Liverpool 3-2 (2-1)
/Evanilson 26, Jimenez 33, Adli 90+5 - Van Dijk 45, Szoboszlai 80/
Sunday
Brentford - Nottingham Forest 0-2 (0-1)
/Jesus 12, Awoniyi 79/
Crystal Palace - Chelsea 1-3 (0-1)
/Richards 88 - Estevao 34, Pedro 50, Fernandez 64 pen/
Newcastle - Aston Villa 0-2 (0-1)
/Buendia 19, Watkins 88/
Arsenal - Manchester United 2-3 (1-1)
/Martinez 29 og, Merino 84 - Mbeumo 37, Dorgu 51, Cunha 87/
Monday
23.00: (2.55) Everton (3.25) Leeds (3.10)
***odds are subject to change***
