Neville claims Arteta will be ‘furious’ with Arsenal star after his ‘absolutely crazy’ decision
Gary Neville claimed Arsenal are “wobbling like crazy going to the line” after they dropped points in a thrilling 3-3 draw vs Southampton on Friday.
The Gunners had the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League when they faced Southampton.
But a major shock was soon on the cards as Carlos Alcaraz capitalised on a mistake from Aaron Ramsdale inside the opening minute to give the Saints the lead.
Goals from Theo Walcott and Gabriel Martinelli made the score 2-1 at half-time and Arsenal were expected to complete the turnaround in the second half.
Their task was made more difficult when Duje Caleta-Car’s header from a corner made it 3-1 with 25 minutes to go. Arsenal ended up salvaging a point in dramatic fashion thanks to late goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal pushed for a winner in stoppage time. With one of their last opportunities, Thomas Partey foolishly opted to shoot from 35 yards out instead of passing to Odegaard. Neville could not believe the midfielder opted to strike from range.
“No. The crowd is shouting no. They can’t believe he has taken that option,” Neville said on commentary.
“An experienced player like that. Absolutely crazy. Mikel Arteta will be furious with him.”
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Arsenal ended up having to settle for a point heading into Wednesday night’s season-defining clash against Man City at the Etihad.
Neville thinks a “worry” for Arsenal ahead of this game is that “they are conceding goals”.
“This is the one game they have left where everyone will think Man City are favourites. Does that take the pressure off the Arsenal players and free their minds?” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“Because they have definitely got a little more tense in this last couple of games. There are things we are seeing that are not Arsenal-like from the rest of the season.
“They haven’t got that freedom of play and they aren’t creating chances like they have done in the past. They did start to create chances in the final 10 minutes, but they didn’t create much for a lot of the second half.
“It’s a mentality thing now. It is making sure they rest, what they do this weekend and how they look after themselves. But also getting into a mindset of thinking, actually City have to win on Wednesday because they are at home.
“The Arsenal players have to go there and play with freedom and the excitement they have played with all season.
“The worry is they are conceding goals and Manchester City are experienced and they smell blood. There are all the hallmarks here of a team that are wobbling like crazy going to the line.
“They are looking fatigued, they are making mistakes, they look nervous and basically, they are not doing the things they have done in matches all season.”
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