Former England defender, Rio Ferdinand has said that Arsenal might have themselves to blame if they lose their advantage and fail to win the Premier League title this season.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, after Arsenal lost 3-2 to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, Ferdinand said, “The biggest hindrance or obstacle maybe to Arsenal winning the league is Arsenal.
“You guys [Arsenal] have to develop a character and confidence and a f*** off attitude that says, ‘We’re going to go out there and win it, take the handbrake off, break free from all the restrictions, and cross that line,’ but right now you’re way too tense and held back.
“They aren’t getting the freedom they need, and they seem too robotic. That’s what I thought Eze was brought in for, but they aren’t using him properly.”
Ferdinand also criticized Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, for being too cautious, saying he’s played the whole season with the handbrake on.
Arsenal saw their lead reduced to just four points after Matheus Cunha came on and scored a late amazing goal to beat David Raya, leaving the Emirates crowd in silence.
Michael Carrick’s team had to fight back and win in north London after Lisandro Martinez accidentally scored an own goal just before the half-hour mark.
Martin Zubimendi made a rare bad pass that helped the visitors get an equalizer thanks to Bryan Mbeumo.
Then, in the 50th minute, Patrick Dorgu scored a powerful goal that thrilled the away fans.
The Gunners seemed like they were going to get a point from the game when Mikel Merino scored after some chaotic action in front of the goal – but Cunha changed things after he came on to replace Mbeumo.
The result showed the Red Devils move ahead of Chelsea to fourth in the table, with Carrick winning both of their games after the club’s surprising derby day win against Manchester City the previous weekend.
“Arteta is cautious, he’s naturally [cautious]. His first thought is to say, “Let’s just throw a few jabs,” as if everything is a jab,” the former United defender said.
“I haven’t seen him throw the right-hand haymaker over the top, and I haven’t seen him get near enough on the inside to land an uppercut.
“Everything is far away, just barely sticking out, with small touches here and there, not even a strong jab like Lennox Lewis would throw. It’s got to be more than that.”
Ferdinand feels like Saka has not been himself lately, and there’s growing evidence that the England player has lost some of the chemistry he used to have with Martin Odegaard.
Ferdinand said “That’s the guy they always turn to, but I don’t see him getting involved in anything. Perhaps it’s just how Arsenal play, or maybe it was because Manchester United settled into their shape so fast that there wasn’t much space behind for us to run into.
“But I never see him running into things. I want to see him doing that. He’s now added the part where he runs on the outside, which I like, because it gives his game a new twist. The connection with Odegaard isn’t as strong as it used to be a year or 18 months ago.”
