Patrick Vieira Hits Out at Mikel Arteta's 'Backwards' Tactics in Man Utd Defeat

Patrick Vieira has criticised Mikel Arteta's tactics during Arsenal's defeat against Manchester United.

After Manchester City closed the gap to four points with a win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal knew they had to win to restore their seven-point lead.

Against Michael Carrick's United side, the Gunners took the lead after Martin Odegaard's shot went into the back of Senne Lammens' net via a touch off Lisandro Martinez.

Bryan Mbeumo then made it 1-1 following a mistake by Martin Zubimendi.

In the second half, Patrick Dorgu scored a beauty to make it 2-1 with 50 minutes on the clock.

Arteta then made four substitutions in order to bring his team back on level terms.

With 83 minutes on the clock, Arsenal drew level through Mikel Merino, who tapped in after a corner caused chaos inside the penalty area.

However, the Gunners were not level for long as Matheus Cunha scored a stunning goal to make it 3-2. Eventually, the Red Devils held on for a vital victory.

As a result, Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table remains at four points.

Speaking during the half-time interval, Arsenal legend Vieira was far from impressed with his former side's tactics.

He said on Sky Sports: "The feeling is that there’s no risk, there are too many passes going backwards, not forward. I want Arsenal to be more brave, take a little bit more risk.

"It feels tense. There's not enough risk. I want Arsenal to be braver."

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🗣️ "There's no risk"

Patrick Vieira says Arsenal need to be more brave. pic.twitter.com/AUKJw47WbU

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2026

United legend Roy Keane added: "It looked like the goal set Arsenal back a little bit, they definitely looked tentative, a little bit nervous. The fans seem nervous, almost like they are afraid to embrace the challenge. There is tension in the air and they are not dealing with it."

Looking ahead, Arsenal will return to action on Wednesday night when they take on Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Staidum in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, United will host Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League next weekend.