Vieira: Gunners need 'fighters' (From Haringey Independent)

Vieira: Gunners need 'fighters'

3:09pm Monday 15th December 2008

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ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira believes his former club need 'fighters' if they are to go on and win the Premier League.

The Inter Milan midfielder, who was an integral part of the Gunners' title triumphs in 1998, 2002 and the 'Invincibles' era of 2004, insists the team need to work hard when they don't have the ball in order to win games when the free-flowing football deserts them, while he also suggested the recent off-field events have had a disruptive influence on the squad.

"Maybe they have been having too many problems outside the pitch. I think it has knocked the spirit of the team," Vieira told Sky Sports News.

"They have got the talent. I think they are better with the ball than without the ball and sometimes in the Premiership you need more fighters than anything else.”

Arsenal were held to a frustrating draw at Middlesbrough on Saturday, and while the rest of the 'Big Four' also dropped points, the gap is threatening to become to large for Arsene Wenger's side to bridge.

Vieira insists there is something missing from the side, compared to the glory days of years gone by, and insists a 'balance' needs to be struck.

"When you go to places like Middlesbrough (where the Gunners were held 1-1 on Saturday), you need to play well to win games. When Arsenal are not passing the ball well, they miss something else to win games.

"It is a team problem. They probably play better football than they did years ago. They need to find a balance. They are conceding too many goals and that is a team problem.

"What is important to Arsenal is to keep the fluid football they are playing at the moment. I don't think one or two players will make a big difference. I think what they need to do is to work more as a team when they don't have the ball."

Despite recent wins over Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal have struggled to find consistency against some of the Premier League's less illustrious teams, leaving some to question Wenger's refusal to delve into the transfer market and bolster his squad – which has been depleted by a spate of injuries.

However, Vieira insisted the Frenchman should not be doubted, and that given his impressive track record with the club, the fans should stick by the manager.

"It is difficult to understand (the criticism) because Arsene has been fantastic and committed to the club for the last 12 years," he added.

"Questioning his commitment and quality as a manager is really difficult to understand."

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