Wayne Rooney criticized Mikel Arteta for what he perceived as “panic” during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss at home to Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal initially led after a Lisandro Martinez own goal, but goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu put them behind. In a bid to turn the tide, Arteta made a quadruple substitution shortly before the hour mark.
Despite a late equalizer from Mikel Merino, United clinched victory with a stunning goal from Matheus Cunha in the final moments.
Rooney, a former player for both United and the England national team, expressed his disapproval of both Arsenal’s tactics in the match and Arteta’s second-half substitutions.
“I think there was a sense of panic,” Rooney stated.
“Arteta is an excellent coach, and I have praised him often, but I believe he panicked after Manchester United went 2-1 up and made four substitutions at once.”
“He rushed those changes without allowing Arsenal to attempt a comeback with the players already on the field, and it backfired.”
“As we move closer to the end of the season, it will be a significant challenge. In my view, Arsenal remains favorites to win the league, but they won’t have an easy path.”
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Over the past year, Arsenal has brought in players like Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke for forward positions, but Rooney feels that Arteta’s key players have yet to step up this season.
“Any team that is leading the Premier League or aiming for the title faces defenses that sit back and make things tough,” he commented.
“That’s why your star players must find spaces and navigate tight areas, which I believe Arsenal has struggled with this season. While they did score from a set-piece against Manchester United, which is an important aspect of the game, I don’t see that as a significant issue.”