Arsenal's late equalizer against Manchester City sparked debate among football pundits, with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher accusing manager Mikel Arteta of overly cautious tactics in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League clash.
Midfield Setup Draws Criticism
Arteta opted for a defensive midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice - the same selection that failed against Liverpool in August. The Gunners managed just one shot before halftime, trailing to Erling Haaland's ninth-minute opener.
"Time after time in big games, Arteta picks teams that feel like he's thinking more about the opposition," said Carragher on Sky Sports. "That first half was a wasted 45 minutes - this recurring pattern could cost Arsenal the title."
Second-Half Changes Too Late?
The Spanish manager introduced Eberechi Eze at halftime, sparking improved attacking play that culminated in Gabriel Martinelli's exquisite 90th-minute chip. However, Neville argued the tactical shift came too late.
"Making two substitutions at halftime shows you got it wrong initially," Neville stated. "At clubs like Arsenal, you need to send the message you believe in your attackers from the start."
Historical Comparisons Emerge
Carragher drew parallels with his Liverpool experiences: "I played under managers who kept the handbrake on in crucial matches. That mentality prevented us winning titles, and I see similarities here."
The statistics highlighted Arsenal's approach - they restricted City to just 32.8% possession, the lowest in any league game under Pep Guardiola's management.
Keane Adds to Criticism
Roy Keane joined the analysis, suggesting Arteta needs to evolve: "The defensive mindset has to change if Arsenal want to compete for major honors. You can't win big trophies playing scared."
As the title race heats up, questions remain whether Arteta can find the balance between caution and ambition that eluded Arsenal last season.
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