EPL: ‘They get the blame’ – Steve McManaman feels sorry for two Arsenal players

Former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman has expressed sympathy for Arsenal forwards Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, suggesting that the team’s tactical approach under Mikel Arteta makes their jobs more difficult.

His comments followed Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

McManaman believes Arsenal’s cautious style of play often leaves their attacking players receiving criticism when the team struggles to create entertaining football.

“I do feel sorry for Arsenal forwards sometimes because they are not an entertaining team like Barcelona,” McManaman said, as quoted by Metro UK.

He continued: “They defend very deep as a whole, Gyokeres and Havertz sometimes get the blame because of that. It is the midfielders and the defenders that we talk about.”

The former footballer suggested that the team’s defensive approach affects the opportunities available to its forwards, leaving Gyokeres and Havertz exposed to criticism.

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Arsenal are scheduled to face Hull City in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The Gunners currently lead the league table with 24 points.