‘Short of quality in every department’ – Redknapp gives damning verdict on Arsenal
Arsenal are bereft of quality in every aspect of their play, according to former England international midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Speaking after the Gunners were defeated 2-1 by Everton, Redknapp suggested that there are so many issues in the team that it is difficult to prioritise which one is the greatest.
The loss at Goodison Park was Arsenal’s eighth in the Premier League this season and leaves them just five points above the relegation zone having played at least one game more than every side below then.
“There are so many problems with this team, it’s hard to put your finger on one,” he told Sky Sports.
“They look so short of quality in every department. No-one is taking responsibility. There’s no leadership.”
Meanwhile, Redknapp has said that Arteta must bring back the estranged Mesut Ozil and put him into the team.
The former Real Madrid star has not been included in the Premier League squad or the Europa League squad, but during the January window he could be registered.
“Do you bring Ozil back? It’s a no brainer. They look so short of creativity. Does the manager look weak? Not for me,” he said.
“He tried to make a statement. It didn’t work. Just use him while you’ve got him. Being in the position they’re in without Ozil doesn’t make sense to me.”
Meanwhile, Graeme Souness, a three-time European Cup winner at Liverpool, also attacked the weak attitude of the Gunners.
"For me, Arsenal have got the wrong people doing the wrong jobs," he said analysing Everton's winner. "Nicolas Pepe is asked to go and be physical with Yerry Mina, but he gets brushed off. It's a man against a boy, but people aren't taking a step forward to try to attack the ball.
"Mina ended up with a free header, and we saw it last week against Burnley. At the moment, Arsenal are looking to take shortcuts at set-pieces by trying to man handle opponents in the wrong way.
"They're struggling, Arsenal. They're not playing with any great effort or desire or fire in their bellies. It was a well-deserved win for Everton today."
Arsenal will have an opportunity to make amends on Boxing Day, when they host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium and before then they have a Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City to negotiate.