Which Six Arsenal Players Did Gary Neville Say Let Themselves Down Against Man Utd?

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Gary Neville Critiques Arsenal's Performance in Premier League Opener Against Manchester United

In a highly anticipated match, Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Manchester United, thanks to a goal from Riccardo Calafiori in the 13th minute. Despite celebrating a winning start to the new season, the performance left much to be desired, prompting criticism from football pundits, including Gary Neville. The former Manchester United defender highlighted the shortcomings of several Arsenal players, suggesting they 'let themselves down' during the match.

Arsenal's Unconvincing Start

While the result may have been favorable for Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that his side did not perform at their best. Many fans and analysts expected a more dominant display, especially given the talent on the pitch. Football pundit Roy Keane was particularly vocal about Arsenal's inability to capitalize on their lead, noting that they failed to be clinical and allowed the match to remain in the balance when they should have sealed the win.

Gary Neville's Criticism

In his analysis on the Gary Neville Podcast aired on Sky Sports' YouTube channel, Neville highlighted six players who he felt were below par: Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Gabriel Martinelli. He pointed out that despite their capabilities, the players were 'really sloppy,' particularly when transitioning from defense to attack. This lack of precision on counter-attacks was a recurring theme in Neville's critique.

William Saliba's Rocky Start

Neville also expressed concern over the performance of Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, who he noted had a shaky start to the game. Despite acknowledging that Saliba and his defensive partner grew into the match and displayed their quality, the initial minutes were troubling for the pundit. This analysis adds another layer to the discussion about the team's overall defensive solidity, an aspect that Arsenal fans would hope improves as the season progresses.

New Signings Under Scrutiny

Among the players Neville criticized, Gyokeres and Zubimendi are new additions to the team, having joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window. Arsenal invested significantly in both players, paying Sporting CP £63.5 million for Gyokeres and £51 million to Real Sociedad for Zubimendi. Their performances in this match will undoubtedly be under scrutiny as they adapt to the rigors of Premier League football.

Tony Adams Weighs In

Adding to the discussion, Arsenal legend Tony Adams suggested that the club should have pursued Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa instead of Gyokeres. Adams expressed skepticism about Gyokeres' readiness for English football, questioning whether he can deliver consistent performances for the Gunners. His comments reflect the expectations that come with significant transfer fees and the pressure to perform in high-stakes matches.

Gyokeres' Premier League Debut

Gyokeres' debut was particularly challenging, as he had only 21 touches, completed just four of nine passes, and did not manage a single shot on target. Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg commented on the striker's performance, describing it as a "tough day at work." This scrutiny underscores the pressure on new signings to hit the ground running in their Premier League careers.

Looking Ahead: What Arsenal Must Improve

As Arsenal moves forward in the 2023-24 Premier League season, there are key areas they need to address to ensure they capitalize on their talent and maintain their competitive edge. The team will need to improve their passing accuracy and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations. Here are several points of focus:

• Counter-Attack Efficiency: The Gunners must sharpen their counter-attacking play, transitioning swiftly to exploit opportunities when they arise.
• Defensive Stability: While the defensive partnership of Saliba and his partner showed promise, consistency is key. They need to start games with greater composure.
• Clinical Finishing: Arsenal's inability to convert chances into goals was evident. The team must work on their finishing to ensure they can secure more comfortable leads.
• Integration of New Players: Gyokeres and Zubimendi need time to adapt, but they also require support from their teammates to flourish in their new roles.

FAQs About Arsenal's Performance and Future Prospects

What did Gary Neville say about Arsenal's players after the match?

Gary Neville criticized several Arsenal players for their performances, stating that they 'let themselves down' and lacked precision, particularly in counter-attacking situations.

How did Mikel Arteta react to the team's performance?

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that the team did not perform at their best, indicating that there is room for improvement despite the victory.

What are the key areas Arsenal needs to improve on moving forward?

Arsenal must work on their counter-attack efficiency, ensure defensive stability, improve clinical finishing, and support the integration of new players into the squad.

Why did Tony Adams criticize Arsenal's signing of Gyokeres?

Tony Adams expressed skepticism about Gyokeres’ readiness for English football and suggested that the club should have pursued Ollie Watkins, who is more proven in the league.

What did Freddie Ljungberg say about Gyokeres’ debut performance?

Freddie Ljungberg described Gyokeres' debut as a "tough day at work," highlighting the challenges the young striker faced in his first Premier League match.

The match against Manchester United revealed both the potential and the areas needing improvement for Arsenal. As the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching how the team addresses these challenges. Will they rise to the occasion and solidify their status as title contenders? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Gunners have the talent to make a significant impact this season. #Arsenal #PremierLeague #GaryNeville

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