Adams pinpoints main Arsenal ‘issue’ before Spurs clash
Arsenal legend Tony Adams has insisted that his former club “need some leaders in the team” as they look to qualify for Europe this season.
The Gunners have finished eighth in back to back years under current boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard initially improved their fortunes as they won the FA Cup for the fourteenth time at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
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Last season was less successful as they suffered disappointing cup exits both domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the latest North London derby on Sunday.
The Gunners sit 13th in the Premier League table ahead of this game. They made a poor start as they lost their first three games of the campaign. These defeats came against Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City.
They have since picked up back to back 1-0 victories against Norwich City and Burnley. Adams has told Sky Sports (as reported by Football London) that Arsenal are too reliant on the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe:
“I think you’re going to have to give it a bit more time.
“My issue is the kids are our best players at this moment, Saka and Smith-Rowe they’re not supposed to lead, we need some good experienced players and players that stay fit.
“Partey’s come into the team, he’s been injured a long time now, we need some leaders in the team. Hopefully some growth.”
“I just don’t see them getting back there while Mikel Arteta is in charge,” Collymore said.
“He is a coach who wants to play out from the back and through the lines. But without players who are capable of doing it against the better sides.
“Even sometimes against teams who aren’t so good. He isn’t a manager whose formula and way of playing is conducive to attracting anything other than B-list players and, without Champions League football, the club can’t even attract them.
“As a result, things just aren’t going to change while he is there.”
