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Neville: Why Arsenal faded
- Updated: December 19, 2016
Gary Neville believes Arsenal’s change of system against Manchester City contributed to their second-half collapse on Nissan Super Sunday.
Arsene Wenger side’s led 1-0 at half-time following Theo Walcott’s early opener but conceded twice after the break to lose 2-1 for the second game in succession.
Neville said Arsenal’s midfield “looked shattered” in the second half at the Etihad, suggesting Wenger’s decision to play on the counter attack affected their performance as the game wore on.
The visitors had less than 40 per cent possession on Sunday – compared to their Premier League average of 57.4 per cent since 2014 – and ran further and sprinted more often as they looked to close their opponents down.
Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, felt the extra output cost them, saying: “During the game at 2-1 I couldn’t believe it, Arsenal’s players looked absolutely shattered.
“They were walking at 2-1 in a massive game in which they could put pressure on Chelsea. It was walking pace and you never walk on a football pitch.
“These aren’t players you would …
