Arsenal came up short in their potential Premier League title decider at Manchester City with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard among several players who've been called out
Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have been called out for failing to deliver at Man City
Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have been called out for failing to deliver at Man City
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Troy Deeney has torn into half of Arsenal's team, claiming they "didn't turn up" during the loss to Manchester City - which could prove pivotal in deciding where the Premier League trophy ends up.
The Gunners knew that a loss at the Etihad would present City with the chance to go top on Wednesday night and Erling Haaland's second-half strike secured them the three points.
It continued Arsenal's wait for a win on the blue side of Manchester. It also prolonged their late season collapse with Mikel Arteta's side now losing four of their last six games in all competitions.
Arsenal knew they needed their big players to turn up but Deeney has accused captain Martin Odegaard and talisman Declan Rice of producing sub par performances in their biggest game of the season. He also took aim at both of their full-backs.
He told CBS Sports: "We talk about how great Manchester City are but you have to say Noni Madueke didn’t turn up, Martin Zubimendi didn’t turn up, Martin Odegaard didn’t turn up, Cristhian Mosquera didn’t turn up, Piero Hincapie didn’t turn up.
"And arguably, he’s a friend of mine, Declan Rice didn’t turn up. When Arsenal have this many players not turning up and putting in a level of performance in that you would expect, you have to question it, you have to question where they were."
Arsenal came into the contest off the back of a number of underwhelming performances. Their display at the Ethiad did draw plaudits and, had they been more clinical, they could easily have left with at least a point. Kai Havertz, their goal scorer, missed a golden chance in stoppage time to level the game.
Arsenal's loss could see them relinquish top spot come Wednesday night
Arsenal's loss could see them relinquish top spot come Wednesday night
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As it is the top two are set to be separated by goal difference come next weekend, but Deeney doesn't envisage a scenario where City and Arsenal win all of their remaining games.
"These Premier League games have all become a bit more difficult for City and I still think there’s a bit of a twist in this between Arsenal and Manchester City," he said.
On Arsenal's upcoming fixtures he added: " Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace : you would normally say job done, you know they’re going to win. But West Ham have a bit of form and they’re fighting for their lives. Fulham and Marco Silva have had this weird season where they’ve not really done anything."