“Don’t be deluded by his fluke performance yesterday, he’s not just good enough to be playing for a big club like Arsenal”- Man United Legend Paul Scholes slams Arsenal duo yesterday and told Mikel Arteta to axe him if Arsenal must win trophies this season

PAUL SCHOLES BLASTED ARSENAL DUO YESTERDAY, SUGGESTS ONE PLAYER IS SCARED

Schools was pretty scathing about how Arsenal’s attack has faired this season in the Premier League.

Before Mikel Arteta’s side put five goals past Crystal Palace on Saturday, the team was under fire and pressure from their supporters.

Paul Scholes was pretty vocal about Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka before the match and how they need to up their game, as he told Stadium Astro.

Even though the Premier League title-chasers put five on the board, Bukayo Saka failed to score and now he only has two Premier League goals since October, with Paul Scholes calling him ‘predictable’.

Whereas Gabriel Jesus, as the starting number nine, only has three Premier League goals to his name this season and it was stated that he simply ‘isn’t good enough’.

That’s why there have been calls for Arsenal to bring in a number nine – Brentford’s returning striker Ivan Toney has been mentioned by many.

But given the transfer fee that would be on the Englishman’s head, it needs to be accepted that it might not happen, with Jermaine Pennant pointing a critical eye on those already on board.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus

“Jesus, for a number nine, those numbers aren’t good enough,” said Pennant. “To try and compete with the top guys. Your Man City’s, Liverpool’s, Spurs and Newcastle. 

“You need a good number nine, who can get you 15 minimum a season. Otherwise, you are going to be struggling and relying too much on your midfield and that is a massive, massive ask.

On Saka missing that cutting edge: “A little bit, yes. Is it a case of him being overused? He is the most overused player at Arsenal. 82 games straight without coming off throughout the season. 

“Is there a little bit of fatigue kicking in? That could also play a part. Also, I think it’s getting a little bit predictable now. Defenders and teams know he is going to cut in on his left, so show him down your right and block the left-hand side – I think he needs to add a little bit more to his game, not be scared to go on his right and also it will give him more options.”

Arsenal confidence 

The one big positive about Arsenal’s recent blip is that it happened in December and it gives them time to recover.

This recent winter break to Dubai came at the perfect time because it has allowed the players to rest their minds and recharge.

You could argue that was displayed in their performance against Palace. But there is still a long way to go yet.

In nine days time, the Gunners take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, before the big one at home to Liverpool on February 4.

Arsenal fans will be praying that Mohamed Salah will still be absent – it’s touch and go as to whether Egypt progress from their group at the Africa Cup of Nations.