Arsenal saw their hopes of lifting the title hit with a hammer blow by Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday with legendary former midfielder Patrick Vieira having issued his verdict
Patrick Vieira claimed too many players underperformed in Arsenal’s late defeat to Manchester United. The Gunners slipped to their first home reverse on Sunday, with Matheus Cunha scoring in the 87th minute for the Red Devils.
That came just a couple of minutes after Mikel Merino had seemingly rescued a point for the Gunners. Despite the heart-breaking circumstances of the loss, Vieira has claimed that it was deserved, with too many in the Arsenal team failing to show up.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “They need to go back to the basics. To express themselves, play with freedom, and go forward. There were too many players that didn’t perform today.
“It was a must-win game. They needed to send a message to the rest of the teams in the league. I think Saka was too quiet. He is one of, if not, the best offensive player.
“Big games like that you expect him to score and take the team. Trossard is important, but he didn’t perform.
READ MORE: Matheus Cunha could face ban for outburst as Sky Sports apologise for Man Utd starREAD MORE: Gary Neville piles in on Arsenal’s clear issue as Man Utd handed ‘biggest’ gift
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
“Jesus ran a lot, used a lot of energy, but you want him to be in the box more. In the midfield, the only one [who performed] was Declan Rice. There were too many players who didn’t play at their level.”
Sunday’s defeat to United leaves Arsenal still top of the Premier League, albeit with just a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City. And given their late blow against the Red Devils, Vieira has questioned their mentality to go on and lift the title.
“They’re still four points clear, but there’s still questions about the mental strength of the team,” Vieira added.
What do you think went wrong for Arsenal vs Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“It’s not just that they lost the game, it’s the way they lost the game. (Bukayo) Saka and (Leandro) 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 didn’t play with the freedom to express themselves.”
Arsenal are set to take on Kairat in the Champions League in midweek and will be aiming to secure top spot in the league stage. They will then be back in action next weekend as they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
