3 weeks ago
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Gary Neville branded it "same old Arsenal" following the defeat to title contenders Liverpool - with the Sky Sports pundit claiming the Gunners lack the "courage to think they can win".
Mikel Arteta's squad had the opportunity to make an early statement in the Premier League and break their dismal streak at Anfield, but departed empty-handed despite remaining competitive throughout large portions of the match.
Dominik Szoboszlai produced a magnificent decisive strike as his free-kick with fewer than ten minutes remaining crashed beyond David Raya. The midfielder wheeled away in celebration towards the Kop whilst the visiting Arsenal supporters endured further disappointment.
The defeat prolongs their woeful record against some of the division's elite sides. Arteta has yet to secure victory at Anfield or the Etihad and has similarly found success elusive at St James' Park.
Neville criticized Arsenal for failing to possess the killer instinct and self-belief required to triumph in crucial encounters - a persistent issue.
He remarked during commentary: "Same old, same old for those Arsenal fans - they've seen this before. They look comfortable in a big game, but at this moment in time haven't got that risk in their game, that courage to go and think they can win."
Neville highlighted Arsenal's poor record when travelling to face their main Premier League competitors and suggested their persistent failings warrant scrutiny.
He remarked: "There's a little bit of a pattern, particularly at those top four grounds. You'd say they are the toughest to go to. Newcastle, coming to Merseyside and the Etihad - and you have to ask why.
"Liverpool has got what Arteta and Arsenal hasn't got right now – that edge, that something, that mentality to go and win big matches at big away grounds. Liverpool believes it should be winning these matches and I'm not sure Arsenal does. They're happy not to lose and it's costing them."
Arsenal travelled to Liverpool featuring new acquisitions Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke - with the latter posing a persistent danger throughout.
Eberechi Eze was subsequently introduced from the bench, yet Neville maintains they remain too content to settle for a stalemate.
Speaking after the final whistle, he commented: "Arsenal have waited in this second half. And you can't wait in big matches and they keep waiting in big matches. They keep thinking a draw is a good point away from home."
This criticism has previously been levelled at Arteta's Arsenal squad, who have claimed runners-up spot in the division for three consecutive campaigns.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has previously ridiculed the Gunners for their satisfaction with securing a single point against their competitors - an approach that proved costly two seasons ago.
The Spaniard remarked: "When (Arsenal) come here... I saw them... these guys, they don't want to beat us, they just want a draw... that mentality... we wouldn't do (it) the same way... and then we catch it."
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