Arsenal have a serious problem with unmotivated players, says Emmanuel Petit following their defeat to Manchester City.
The Gunners were beaten 3-1 at the weekend with a mixed performance at the Etihad.
Petit claims that a several first-team players aren’t giving their all for the cause.
‘Motivation is a major problem for several of Arsenal’s players – it’s clear that they aren’t always giving 100% out there.
‘When the chips are down, several of them keep going missing. Sometimes talent wins you games, but sometimes spirit is also vital.’
Petit, who won the double under Arsene Wenger, believes his old manager made a mistake for the game against Man City that set the Gunners up to lose.
‘Arsene tried to adapt his team. He knew City were dangerous and tried to do something – he just got it wrong,’ the World Cup winner told Paddy Power News.
‘With such a defensive approach, at least initially, he also sent a message to his players that the opposition were something to worry about – his decision said to his own team, “these guys are better than us.”’
Petit believes Arsenal currently lack balance, with losses of possession being followed by total panic.
‘At the moment, every time Arsenal have the ball, they are a danger to themselves, because as soon as they lose it, they look disorganised. There is no balance in this team – they lack concentration.
‘The fault for this lies not just with the manager, but also with the players. They’ve been making simple mistakes and consequently allowing the opposition an easy ride.
‘It has been a long time since I saw Arsenal play well from the first minute to the last – this is surely down to a crisis of confidence among the squad. Arsenal’s problems are mostly mental, not technical.’
When the Premier League resumes after the international break Arsenal take on Tottenham in the North London derby. While undoubtedly a tough clash, it could prove the ideal fixture for the Gunners according to Petit.
‘The next game is vitally important. Not just for the table, but also for the team spirit, and for the message it sends to your own players and fans.
‘That game, against Tottenham game may be exactly what Arsenal need in order to lift supporters – if they can win, it may get the crowd back behind the team. The Arsenal fans need a message from their players.’
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