Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher have both questioned Arsenal’s lack of quality in the final third of the pitch.
The former Premier League duo do not believe that the Gunners have a player whom Mikel Arteta can pin his hopes on in his attack.
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A few weeks ago, Carragher highlighted Arsenal’s lack of attacking quality, and now Rooney has agreed with his fellow Sky Sports pundit.
The Gunners are still the second-highest scorers in the Premier League this season, although their goals have been shared around the squad.
Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher question Arsenal’s attacking options
Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher question Arsenal’s attacking options, with the lack of a talisman to carry them in tough moments.
Carragher felt Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard would become that for the Gunners; however, neither have really kicked on.
Right now, Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League with eight, followed by Martin Zubimendi and Leandro Trossard, who are both on five.
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher asked Rooney: “I think Arsenal have a great mentality, but do you think there could be a lack of quality in the final third?
“As I said when I watched Arsenal, I don’t think they’ve got an absolute superstar in the front four or five players.
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“I thought Saka and Odegaard were going to get there a couple of years ago. I thought they’re ready to sort of almost become the best player in the league.”
Meanwhile, Rooney agreed that none of Arsenal’s attackers are world-class, but crucially, Arteta’s team still know how to win matches.
Rooney responded by adding: “No, I agree that they haven’t got an out superstar world-class player or someone you pin everything on.
“But, what I think what we’ve seen over the last three years is they know how to win games. So they’ve shown you don’t actually need that.”
Wayne Rooney says external noises are hurting Arsenal
Rooney believes that external noises from supporters and ex-players are starting to hinder Arsenal’s chances.
The former Manchester United striker thinks Arteta is doing a great job talking in the media, but it’s others who are putting the pressure on the team.
“For me, I think what’s happening is the Arsenal fans, the ex players coming out are actually killing them,” added Rooney.
“They should stay silent and let everyone else talk. I heard Martin Keown saying that having six points is better than nine, and I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’
“That’s an experienced player who’s getting nervous, and that’s what’s going through to the fan.
“I think Arteta is actually handling it brilliantly. I think the way he’s speaking, how he’s coming out in the media, how he’s trying to calm the players down is brilliant.
“But I think it’s actually other people who are connected to the club who would actually have a more of an effect.”
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