Forget Bukayo Saka, Emmanuel Petit wants another Arsenal star to do more for Mikel Arteta’s team

Add as preferred source on Google

Emmanuel Petit has demanded more from Declan Rice following Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United.

Arsenal endured a bitterly frustrating afternoon as they suffered a first Premier League defeat since December 6 against the Red Devils.

Fill in the blank: Right now, I see __________ as the strongest leader in this Arsenal squad…

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Aston Villa and Manchester City have now both moved within four points of the Gunners after winning over the weekend.

After the match, Patrick Vieira questioned the leaders in Arsenal’s dressing room, and Petit is now asking the same thing.

Emmanuel Petit demands more from Declan Rice

Emmanuel Petit has demanded more from Declan Rice in terms of showing leadership at Arsenal.

Manchester United put the Gunners under real pressure on Sunday, and Arteta’s team just didn’t have a response.

Even Gabriel Magalhaes struggled against United, with nobody from Arsenal wanting to be the man to step up and lead.

Speaking after the match, Petit told TalkSPORT: “I agree with him (Vieira) about one thing, the leaders on the pitch, I expect more from Declan Rice. I love him. I love you, Declan. But you need to be more vocal on the pitch.

“You need to show something, just take your teammates by the neck, you know, and do something.

The former Arsenal star also highlighted William Saliba and Gabriel, who needed to be more vocal on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s Saliba and Gabriel, as well. Those leaders on the pitch need to be more vocal, just like Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira or Tony Adams back in the day,” he added.

“You need to be like this. If you want to become champions, act like champions on the pitch.”

Tell us your thoughts on Martin Odegaard being Arsenal captain

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans questioned Martin Odegaard’s role as the captain, following his withdrawal after 58 minutes.

It was quite damning that Petit didn’t even acknowledge him when discussing the Gunners’ leaders.

Martin Odegaard urges Arsenal to bounce back against Leeds

Odegaard believes that Arsenal must bounce back against Leeds United when they travel to Elland Road next Saturday.

“Yeah, it was never going to be easy in this league, every game is a test, and what is needed now is just to stick together, work hard and bounce back in the next game,” he told beIN Sports.