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Arsenal FC legend Ian Wright has slammed the club’s players for their lack of winning mentality, accusing them of believing too much in the hype surrounding them.
Arsenal FC were widely considered one of the favourites for the Premier League title ahead of the new season. However, the side that had so comfortably beaten champions Chelsea FC in the Community Shield was easily beaten by West Ham in the opening fixture of the league last weekend.
To add to the manner of the loss, the fact that it came at the Emirates compounded the criticism being levelled at the Gunners.
Wrights blasts Arsenal FC
Joining in the Arsenal bashing is the legendary forward Ian Wright, who wore the Red shirt of the London outfit with distinction, winning trophies galore.
Wright has blasted the attitude of the players at the Emirates, accusing them of lacking the winning mentality.
“What worried me was the same old problem – the apparent lack of a winning mentality. The only thing Arsenal seemed to believe about themselves was their own publicity. And that wins you nothing,” Wright told The Sun.
“Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis and the board have worked wonders putting the club on the most solid financial footing imaginable.
“People don’t realise how hard up they were, so finishing in the top four as many times as they have is phenomenal.”
‘Learn from Chelsea FC’
Wright went onto urge that Arsenal players must learn from their hated rivals Chelsea FC.
He said: “But too many players over the years may have slipped into that feeling of believing it is okay to do just enough. That wins you absolutely nothing. Certainly not when it comes to the muck or nettles of a genuine title challenge.
“There is a lot of talent in that dressing room but also a lot of players who need to look at themselves and ask what they are trying to achieve – and how they are going to achieve it.
“There is no doubt they are capable. But without a winning mentality, that won’t count for much.”
“That’s something Arsenal must learn (from Chelsea). At times it seems more important to play great football than grind out a point. That’s an attitude which must change, and change quickly,” the Gunners legend concluded.
Arsenal face Crystal Palace on Sunday in their next Premier League fixture and will be hoping to set things right after a poor start to their campaign. Wright and Arsenal fans will hope the words of the legendary forward will act as a stimulant to the side and spur them on to give their best in a bid to get their first points of the new Premier League season.