Ex Arsenal Star Claims Gunners Could Struggle Without “Plan B”

• Arsenal dropped points for the first time in the 2024/25 season on Saturday against Brighton at the Emirates
• The Gunners played 10 men for most of the second half after Declan Rice's controversial red card
• Emmanuel Petit says the Gunners are "predictable" and could have added a striker in the transfer window

Arsenal stumbled in the Premier League over the weekend in their encounter against Brighton at the Emirates.

They drew 1-1 in a game dominated by a refereeing controversy involving midfielder Declan Rice.

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit claims the North London club need a "plan b" after seeing their performance on Saturday.

The Gunners won their first two matches, but Brighton ended their winning start mainly because of Rice's red card early in the second half.

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They face bitter rivals after the international break, and a defeat could give them plenty of work to do to catch up with Manchester City, who have started flawlessly.

Petit's problem with Arsenal

The World Cup winner believes Arsenal's summer signings, Raheem Sterling, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino, are good, but they could've added more.

"They are good signings. And I’m very happy with Kai Havertz’s start to the season so far, I think he’s doing well. But we saw on Saturday that Arteta and Arsenal need a plan B up front," he said via Football365.

The Premier League winner highlighted Arsenal's lack of a proper striker who could take the chances.

"They need someone up front, a typical striker that can convert chances. You get the feeling sometimes that Arsenal are predictable for the opponents when they are not playing well. So they need a plan B and at the moment they don’t have one.”

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The Gunners slipped against Aston Villa late last season, handing the title to Manchester City. They will challenge for the title this campaign, but many pundits have tipped Pep Guardiola to win it for the fifth time.

Arteta and Saka on Rice's red card

Briefly News earlier reported that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and winger Bukayo Saka criticised the referee after Declan Rice's controversial red card against Brighton.

Arteta and Saka felt the referees did not officiate consistently throughout the game, which the Gunners drew 1-1.

Source: TUKO.co.ke