Arsenal’s physical and mental fortitude has been called into question by former Manchester United star following Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat
Several Arsenal players have come under fire after the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United (Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba have been labeled ‘weak’ and ‘vulnerable’ following Arsenal’s heavy defeat to Manchester United. The harsh criticism came from former United centre-back Phil Jones, who was free to analyze Sunday’s game at the Emirates.
The 3-2 defeat ended the Gunners’ three-game winless run in the league and reduced their advantage at the top of the table to four points after a weekend of victories for Manchester City and Aston Villa. Gabriel and Saliba have been the mainstays of the Gunners’ backline in recent campaigns.
But Jones said she was surprised by what she felt was “a lack of connection between them.” He believes the tension he felt prevailing among the home supporters affected them.
“I like Gabriel and Saliba, I think they were the highest quality centre-halves, but they were the most fragile I saw at the weekend,” Jones said on the Sports Illustrated FC podcast.
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
“They looked nervous. I thought there was a lack of connection between them. They felt that fear, that anxiety, in the stadium.
read more: Gary Lineker provides insider information on Julian Alvarez as Arsenal promote transferread more: Jamie Carragher explains what’s ‘unusual’ about Arsenal’s title challenge
“They weren’t poor by any means, but at times they looked fragile and a bit weak. They were the nastiest pair I’ve ever seen of those two. You can feel the fear and desperation that makes you want it so much. It’s almost contagious. When United equalized, it ran through the team.”
Jones believed Arsenal lacked physical presence throughout the squad, particularly in midfield. Mikel Arteta appeared to share this view, making four changes just before the hour mark, including the sending off of captain Martin Odegaard and fellow midfielder Martin Zvimendi, a mistake that cost United a first-half equalizer.
Saliba and Gabriel are questioned after the United defeat (Image: Arsenal FC, via Getty Images)
Jones continued: “I think they struggled physically for long periods of the game, but it wasn’t in anything reminiscent of Arsenal. Odegaard was overwhelmed at times by the United players and you could see he was going to be replaced.”
“He didn’t influence the game as much as he would have liked and struggled with the physical demands of the game,” while Gunners icon Patrick Vieira told Sky Sports that “there are doubts about the mental strength of the team.”
Asked for a response, Arteta said: “That’s fine. We accept all opinions and accept where they come from. They have a valid reason for saying that. Finally, on match day we have to show the mental strength we have on the pitch.”
With pressure mounting, the Gunners finish their Champions League game at home to Kairat Almaty on Wednesday before heading into a challenging trip to Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
