Patrick Vieira, the invincible Gunners team captain says the lack of physical strength is the reason for Arsenal’s silverware crisis

Vieira says Arsenal lack physic to win

The Gunners have gone six seasons without winning the premiership title since Patrick Vieira left, who made 406 appearances for them. The last time Vieira played for Gunners, he scored the decisive penalty in the 2005 FA Cup final which Arsenal went on to win it.

Being part of “the invincible” team, the last of generation which produced titles after titles for gunners, their captain Vieira speaks about the current team inability to win any silverware for last six years. Although he agreed the current gunners play the game better, faster and nicer than his team, but the key for big games is missing on their back. He pointed the physical weakness in Arsenal defense and also a quality goal keeper like Seaman.

“Since I left Arsenal, there are new players, a new generation and maybe a new philosophy because Arsenal play better football than we used to do in my time,” said Vieira, who was last week named a coaching ambassador at Manchester City following his retirement. “The passing and the movement is better and they are faster. But our team was more physical and responded better to the English game. There is a big difference between the Arsenal team now and the one I played in. Look at the goalkeeper back then, you had the personality and presence of David Seaman.”

“In defence you had players like (Tony) Adams, (Steve) Bould and (Martin) Keown and then myself and Emmanuel Petit in the midfield – it was a big, physical, intimidating team. But I honestly believe that the Arsenal team now is playing better than we were then. The difference is we put silverware on the sideboard.”

Though Arsene Wenger wooed to strengthen his defense at the start of transfer market but still no signings were made till now. Many players were heavily linked to arsenal including English international Jagelika and Samba. There were reports that Arsenal failed in their bid to get Jagelika but no official information is released on that.

Meanwhile Arsenal took off their second pre season friendly tour to Germany to face Cologne on Saturday without their Captain Cesc who still remains in doubt for next season. Barcelona has officially confirmed to fight till the end of transfer season to get Febregas. If Arsenal doesn’t qualify for Champions League by winning their play-off, then it is going to curtain them heavily.

With Nasri still in doubt, Cesc reluctant to stay, Bendtner and Alumina looking to move aside, Arsenal team and fans are in for some tough days ahead building up to the new season.

Tags: Arsenal, EPL, Football, Gunners, Patrick Vieira, Premier League