Former Arsenal star has criticised Mikel Arteta’s side for showing what he sees as a lack of ambition in their biggest games
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Kai Havertz
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has criticised Mikel Arteta’s side for showing what he sees as a lack of ambition in their biggest games, arguing that the Gunners are “excited not to lose” rather than determined to win.
Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season ended before the international break with a draw at Anfield, where Arteta’s conservative game plan was again called into question.
Clichy, who was part of Arsene Wenger’s iconic Invincibles squad, suggested that Arsenal’s approach reflects a shift away from the attacking identity the club was once famous for.
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“Arsenal is coming to a place where the idea and identity of Arsène Wenger’s football is not seen much anymore,” Clichy told reporters. “We don’t talk about how well Arsenal play these days, we talk about how difficult they are to break down or how good they are on set pieces. That’s fantastic and part of the game, but if we compare what Arsenal used to be and what Arsenal are today, there’s nothing alike anymore.”
Gael Clichy (Image credit: Getty Images)
While praising the solidity Arteta has built into the side, Clichy said the lack of risk-taking at Anfield epitomised the problem. “We have maybe seen a lack of ambition from Arsenal as a club and from Mikel. When you look at that game against Liverpool, you saw a team that was not concerned about winning, but a team excited not to lose. That is a massive difference for a side competing for the title.”
Clichy urged Arsenal to be more ruthless in big matches, particularly against rivals who are vulnerable.
“Liverpool started the season very fragile, giving away opportunities, but Arsenal didn’t exploit that. This is where Mikel needs to adjust. Yes, you will win points, and I know he has said they are the team with the most points over the last three years, but they haven’t won anything. It is not just about points, it’s about going to those places and getting the win.”
Arsenal, who remain near the top of the table after a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, return to action this weekend against Nottingham Forest, with pressure growing on Arteta to prove his side can take the next step in the title race.