The fallout from Arsenal's dramatic Premier League title collapse continues, with Sky Sports analysts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher delivering a brutal assessment of Mikel Arteta's side. The pundits pinpointed a perceived lack of leadership and a "soft" mentality as the fundamental reasons behind the Gunners' failure to hold off Manchester City.
Speaking on the Overlap podcast, Neville didn't hold back, stating that Arsenal's challenge effectively ended with their damaging 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in April. "They're a soft touch," Neville declared, suggesting the team lacks the ruthless edge required of champions.
Carragher's Verdict: A Team That Doesn't Believe
Jamie Carragher echoed his colleague's sentiments, offering an even harsher critique. The former Liverpool defender argued that the players themselves don't truly believe they can win the biggest prizes. "I don't think the players think they can win the league," Carragher said, highlighting a deep-seated psychological barrier at the club.
Carragher expanded on this, suggesting that while Arsenal are a good team, they operate a tier below the true elite. "I think they are a really good team, but I don't think they think they are a great team," he explained, drawing a clear distinction between being contenders and being champions.
The Leadership Void in North London
A central theme from both pundits was the absence of a commanding, vocal leader on the pitch—a player in the mould of Arsenal legends like Patrick Vieira or Tony Adams. This leadership vacuum, they argued, becomes glaringly obvious in high-pressure moments, leading to costly mistakes and an inability to see out critical games.
This analysis points to a significant challenge for Mikel Arteta in the upcoming transfer window. While tactical improvements are always sought, addressing the squad's psychological and leadership dynamics may be his most crucial task if Arsenal are to finally overcome Pep Guardiola's dominant City side.
