Patrick Vieira has criticized Arsenal’s lack of mental strength following their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
The Gunners needed a win to increase their gap at the summit of the standings to seven points after second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa had secured wins over Wolves and Newcastle United at the weekend respectively.
However, they were left disappointed once again as they now only maintain a four-point advantage over the chasing pack with 15 matches left to play.
The North London side have given up lead at the top of the standings at one point over the past three seasons and have now seen their gap reduce once again this time.
“They are still four points clear, but there are still questions about the mental strength of the team”, Former Arsenal captain Vieira said after the match.
“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.
Arsenal took the lead in the first half after an unlucky own goal by Lisandro Martinez, but Man United hit back through Bryan Mbeumo, who capitalized on a mistake by Martin Zubimendi.
Patrick Dorgu struck a superb goal to put the visitors ahead, but Mikel Merino leveled things with only a few minutes left in the clash.
However, Matheus Cunha struck a stunning winner three minutes from time to seal a 3-2 victory for the Red Devils.
“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”, Vieira added.
“They didn’t play with the freedom to express themselves.”
Manchester United move up to fourth on the standings after their win, while Arsenal’s gap at the top now stands at just four points.
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