Emmanuel Petit: Arsenal players 'act like babies'
Arsenal's former midfield rhythm-setter, Emmanuel Petit, has declared himself sick of seeing Gunners players "act like babies and kids" while Arsene Wenger gets the brunt of the criticism.
The retired Frenchman believes many in Wenger's ranks don't appreciate playing for one of the biggest teams in the world in one of the finest venues, and says he's "very upset" to view what he perceives as a lack of desire.
"Their image from last season was that many players looked so disinterested," Petit told The Mirror's Steve Stammers on Saturday. "They get good money to play for a club like Arsenal. Yet, so few of them look happy and motivated. How can that be?
"Maybe they should take a step back and ask themselves what they can give to the club. Not what the club can give to them.
"Someone should sit them down and tell them not to act like babies and kids. They should be proud of wearing that Arsenal shirt."
Petit credited Alexis Sanchez - who was apparently close to switching Arsenal for Manchester City on deadline day - as being "a warrior," but questioned the body language of the majority of players. There were plenty of slumped shoulders as Arsenal embarrassingly fell to a 4-0 defeat in Liverpool last Sunday.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
However, the 1998 World Cup winner anticipates increased efforts over the course of the season as players try to break into their respective international sides ahead of the showpiece in Russia next summer.
"But that should not be the reason for them to play well," Petit added. "To play for Arsenal should be enough. That is what makes me so very upset."
Mesut Ozil took to Instagram on Saturday to celebrate his fourth anniversary as an Arsenal player, but also to request that notable personalities from the Gunners' past act with a little more class in their criticism of the club.
"Personally I've had to accept a lot of criticism during my time in London. 'Too expensive, too greedy, bad body language, and lacking fight' - this is what people have said about me," Ozil's post reads.
"Some of these comments are made by those who do not know me, some are made by former players - both successful and unsuccessful during their time here at the club. Although criticism is something that all football players have to deal with, I nevertheless expected legends to behave like legends - my advice to these former Gunners: stop talking and start supporting!"
Arsenal returns after the international break to welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates on Saturday.