Gary Neville has criticized four Arsenal players for their recent poor form, which has allowed Manchester City to close the gap in the Premier League title race.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has weighed in on Arsenal’s recent poor form and the impact it has had on the Premier League title race.
Speaking on The Overlap, Neville criticized four Arsenal players for failing to show leadership during the team’s recent disappointing draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, which allowed Manchester City to close the gap.
Neville questioned whether Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko, two players he acknowledged as fantastic and great professionals, were able to step up in the highest pressurized moments of the season.
He also highlighted Partey and Xhaka’s performances in recent games, as well as Zinchenko’s mistake in the Liverpool game, and Odegaard’s difficult game against Manchester City.
“In the most difficult period – when those younger players like Saka and Martinelli needed that guidance, Jesus needed telling to stop running around and just stand up front and be really disciplined in how you play – they didn’t impact the rest of their teammates on the pitch, I don’t believe,” Neville said.
“In fact, they contributed to the difficulties they were having in the matches.”
Neville added that Arsenal’s senior players had not been able to pull the team together and keep them calm and composed during these difficult times. “That to me has been apparent these last few weeks,” he said.
Looking ahead to Arsenal’s next Premier League match against Chelsea, Neville suggested that Arsenal’s senior players need to step up and take responsibility if they want to turn things around.
“It’s time for these leaders to take control and show the younger players the way forward,” Neville said. “They need to lead by example on the pitch and help their team get back to winning ways.”