Patrick Vieira believes that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard “plays it too safe” after Manchester United stunned the Premier League leaders on Saturday.Â
Michael Carrick’s side came from behind to stun the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, winning 3-2 thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The result has dented Arsenal’s title hopes, reducing their lead at the summit has to just four points with 15 games left to play.
Club legend Vieira criticised a number of the team’s star players and urged them to improve on their fundamentals.
“They need to go back to the basics,” the Frenchman said on Sky Sports. “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 (Bukayo) 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. (Leandro) Trossard is important, but he didn’t perform.
“(Gabriel) 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.”
Patrick Vieira identifies key flaw in Arsenal star Martin Odegaard
Vieira was particularly critical of Odegaard, who he accused of being too cautious in his play.
“Odegaard is one of the technical leaders of the team, because of his vision, of his last pass. I would like to see him play higher, between the lines.
“I think at times he plays it too safe, comes too close to the back four.
“You need those type of players closer to the goal.”
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