Lee Dixon labelled Arsenal’s defending as ‘absolutely shocking’ during their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The former Highbury hero wasn’t happy with Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Gabriel’s defending during their morale-sapping loss at Selhurst Park.
All three players were at fault for the first two goals, whilst Martin Odegaard tripped Wilfried Zaha in the penalty area, which the Palace flyer duly dispatched to round off an evening to remember for Patrick Vieira’s men.
Perhaps one of Arsenal’s worst performances of the season and that coming during a time when their north London rivals, Tottenham, pushed into fourth place on Sunday when they thrashed Newcastle United.
But Mikel Arteta’s side only have themselves to blame, as Dixon singled out what he didn’t like from yesterday’s performance, whilst speaking to Premier League Productions (04/03/22 at 8:55 pm).
“Look at Ben White’s position,” said Dixon. “He’s following Mateta, then all of a sudden he goes towards the ball and leaves him. He then has a free header inside the six-yard box. It can’t happen. Stay with your man! Things like that tell me they’re not switched on.
“It’s one of the balls in where you say ‘Oh, Gabriel has made a mistake’. You got to win the ball. The defending is absolutely shocking.
“The back four are in a decent position. As soon as Ayew starts to make his run inside, then Tavares has to step into him, don’t step back. He steps back, Tavares. He doesn’t do that and drops too deep.
“That just enables Ayew to run into the gap. Then Gabriel has to win it. If you are the last line of defence, you have to be 100% sure you are going to win the ball, he doesn’t and is out of position.”
This is the proper test for this young Arsenal side now, as fans will get a taste of what they are made of.
Not only do they have to bounce back from this defeat, but against some high, high-quality opposition.
The Gunners still have Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham and Spurs to play – all in their Champions League firing line.
Get through them unscathed, then they can start dreaming of a return to the biggest club competition in the world.
But, come out of the wrong side, then this previously ever-progressing season might just turn on its head.
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