Patrick Vieira says Arsenal did not play with enough freedom or risk in their defeat to Manchester United.
The Gunners were beaten 3-2 by United after Matheus Cunha scored a late winner to hand Mikel Arteta’s side a first home defeat of the season.
After United had come from behind to lead 2-1, Mikel Merino equalised to make it 2-2 before Cunha’s stunning late strike.
And Gunners legend Vieira says Arsenal need to play with more positivity when they are up against it.
“They are still four points clear, but there are still questions about the mental strength of the team,” Vieira told Sky Sports.
“It’s not just that they lost the game, it’s the way they lost the game. (Bukayo) Saka and (Leandro) Trossard didn’t produce enough to worry United.
“They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team. They need to understand when they are on the pitch they have to play with more energy and more risks. They have the quality.
“They didn’t play with the freedom to express themselves.
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“They need to go back to the basics.
“To express themselves, play with freedom, and go forward. There were too many players that didn’t perform today.
“It was a must-win game. They needed to send a message to the rest of the teams in the league.”
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