"5 days to sort themselves out" - Gary Neville questions Arsenal trio after recent slump in title race ahead of Manchester City crunch clash
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has lambasted Arsenal trio Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey ahead of the side's title clash with Manchester City next week.
The Gunners have faltered in their last three games, drawing 2-2 at West Ham United, 2-2 at Liverpool and 3-3 against Southampton. The latter result took place on Friday (April 21) with the Gunners fighting back from 3-1 down.
Arsenal have been applauded for their strong mentality throughout the season but have looked nervy in recent weeks. Zinchenko was seen attempting to galvanise his teammates with a huddle during the Saints draw. However, Neville thinks that was a bluff and has questioned the experienced players at the Emirates. He tweeted:
"For Arsenal, the more experienced players needed to step up and be composed. In the last 3 games, the more ex ones haven’t. The younger ones have looked more assured. Zinchenko, Jesus, Partey haven’t been right. They have 5 days to sort themselves out. The huddle last night a bluff!"
The Gunners have a massive clash with Manchester City on the horizon. The two title rivals battle at the Etihad on Wednesday (April 26).
The north Londoners' lead over the Cityzens has been cut to five points in the last two weeks. City, though, have two games in hand and don't play this weekend, as they face Sheffield United in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday (April 22).
Arteta's men are aiming to win their first league title since 2004. However, they have been guilty of caving in when the going gets tough in recent years. They did so last season, squandering a UEFA Champions League place to Tottenham Hotspur in the last three games.
Hence, Arsenal fans will be fearful that a case of the same old story is repeating. They will be eager for the experienced players to get a grip on their title quest or risk a heartbreaking end to the season.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland sends Arsenal message ahead of potential title clash
Arsenal will be tasked with trying to nullify the threat of the Premier League's top goalscorer Erling Haaland on Wednesday.
The Norweigan has been in prolific form, bagging 32 goals in 28 league games. He has eclipsed last season's Golden Boot winners' Mohamed Salah and Son Heung Min's tallies of 23.
Haaland took no time in posting on Twitter following the Gunners' 3-3 draw with Southampton on Friday. He tweeted three images of him looking sharp and prepared ahead of the Gunners' visit to the Etihad, captioning it:
"MOOD. STILL."
MOOD. STILL. https://t.co/z5Zjc7eSS8
The Manchester City frontman has already caused Arteta's defence problems this season.
He scored in the 3-1 win in the reverse at the Emirates on February 15. Arsenal will likely be without William Saliba for the Manchester City clash at the Etihad, which makes things more difficult for the league leaders.