Former Arsenal midfielder Alan Hudson has fired a warning to his old club despite their win over West Ham at the weekend.
The Gunners scored late on to snatch a 2-1 victory, though they were far from at their best for much of the game, in contrast to a much more impressive performance in their opening Premier League game against Fulham.
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Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring before the Hammers levelled, and it was down to super sub Eddie Nketiah to tap in late on to give the home side the three points.
Mikel Arteta may well be pleased to see Arsenal grinding out a result when they weren’t at their best, but Hudson has warned that this result may paper over some cracks at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, the former England international, who spent two years at Arsenal between 1976 and 1978, said that this current side looks to be lacking creativity, and that could be a worry over the course of the season.
“Arsenal were very, very lucky only because West Ham don’t have a Harry Kane or Sadio Mane in front of goal,” Hudson told CaughtOffside.
“All this win does is put Arteta in a false sense of security, papering over the cracks, because take their captain out of their team and they are second rate.
“They looked lethargic and out of ideas from word ‘go’ and that is because they are lacking a player in midfield, like David Silva or Luka Modric, who can get others playing.
“Every team needs a playmaker and Arsenal are very, very short in that department. They have a long season ahead.”
Hudson added that Arsenal may want to work on tying Lacazette down or he’d easily find himself another big move.
“He (Lacazette) is a player I like,” Hudson said. “He has a terrific understanding with his captain. If I was Lacazette I would not worry, simply carry on playing but let the manager know “it’s either contract time or I’m off,” and he’ll get a club in a heartbeat.”
My, have you dug deep to get a gem like this. You prolly wanted Alan Hansen 😉
I don’t think Arteta feels falsely secure. I think Arteta wouldn’t have put out Kolasinac if Tierney was fit. I think if Tierney is fit, Antonio doesn’t score that goal.
This squad is still a work in progress. Lacazette is still a work in progress. All the praise in the world – from Alan Hudson, no less! – won’t alter the fact that he was average.
Arsenal showed they can breach tight defences, and that’s a plus. I don’t think there’s much more anyone could say about that game that wouldn’t be a cliche. Give Hudson Tim Sherwood’s phone number, they can drool over Ozil in some darker corner. Things didn’t click on Saturday, and yet Arsenal were the better side and carried the points, so…
yes of we need creativity player
We hav to get Thomas and Houssen to strengthen the squared
Yes we need to strenghten our squared by geting houssen and thomas