Paul Scholes pulled no punches in his analysis of the Gunners as potential title challengers on Tuesday evening, labelling it “a typical week for Arsenal” on a night that saw them draw 2-2 at home to Swansea City.
Appearing as a studio pundit for Sky Sports’ coverage of the Manchester derby, the ex-Manchester United midfielder wasn’t left impressed by Arsene Wenger’s side, who came from 1-0 down to lead the game, only to then lose two points through a 90th-minute Mathieu Flamini own goal.
Scholes was relentless in his assessment of Arsene Wenger’s side, who at one point looked like favourites for this year’s league title, but now sit fourth
“For one reason or another, the players just seem to go missing. The Artetas, the Cazorlas, the Rosickys, Ozils although I know he has not played for a bit. They go on the pitch with no discipline. It’s as though ‘you four, five midfielders go out there and do what you want—try and score a goal. A few nice one-twos, nice tippy-tappy football—but don’t bother running back.’ That is my thoughts on it.
When we played against Arsenal teams it was really tough. Now, you play Arsenal and just get stuck in and you have won the game. Wilshere, what a really top young player, but he has not really gone on. He needs players like (Patrick) Vieira to take him to the next level. Injuries have not helped him but his development, from being 17, he does not look any better player now than when he was 17.’
Scholes appeared against Arsenal 29 times in his career, per Transfermarkt, winning 14 times and losing on 11 occasions with four draws, including fixtures against The Invincibles team of the early 2000s.
