Patrick Vieira pinpoints Arsenal's biggest problem as one star absolved of blame

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Patrick Vieira claimed too many players underperformed in Arsenal’s late defeat to Manchester United . The Gunners slipped to their first home reverse on Sunday, with Matheus Cunha scoring in the 87th minute for the Red Devils.

That came just a couple of minutes after Mikel Merino had seemingly rescued a point for the Gunners. Despite the heart-breaking circumstances of the loss, Vieira has claimed that it was deserved, with too many in the Arsenal team failing to show up.

Speaking on Sky Sports , he said: "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. I think Saka was too quiet. He is one of, if not, the best offensive player.

"Big games like that you expect him to score and take the team. Trossard is important, but he didn't perform.

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"Jesus ran a lot, used a lot of energy, but you want him to be in the box more. In the midfield, the only one [who performed] was Declan Rice . There were too many players who didn't play at their level.”

Sunday’s defeat to United leaves Arsenal still top of the Premier League , albeit with just a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City . And given their late blow against the Red Devils, Vieira has questioned their mentality to go on and lift the title.

"They're still four points clear, but there's still questions about the mental strength of the team," Vieira added.

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"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."

Arsenal are set to take on Kairat in the Champions League in midweek and will be aiming to secure top spot in the league stage. They will then be back in action next weekend as they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United .

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