Emmanuel Petit has urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to take inspiration from Luis Enrique's attacking approach at Paris Saint-Germain, claiming the Gunners' football has become too cautious. The Arsenal legend believes his former club should adopt a more direct and dynamic style, similar to the one that has transformed Les Parisiens over the last year.
Club legend believes Arsenal don't play exciting football
Petit reckons Arsenal’s current approach under Arteta has become overly reliant on possession and set pieces. He praised PSG's evolution under Enrique, highlighting their switch from sterile control to fast, forward-thinking football. He suggested Arsenal need to embrace a similar attacking intent if they want to take the next step.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportPetit wants Arteta to make Arsenal more like PSG
Speaking to the , Petit said: "Paris Saint-Germain, they look strong. Again, they started against Atalanta, and beat them 4-0 with some players injured. It's like they were following exactly what they've done for the last six months of the last season. They've been brilliant. The way they play, I love it.”
He continued: "They control the ball, they control the position of the ball, but they play straight forward, you know. They play fast football. This is something I want to see with Arsenal. Possession is good, but if you don't play forward football, possession can be boring. Give me the ball, I give you the ball, give me the ball, I give you the ball.”
Petit concluded by pointing to PSG’s turnaround as a lesson for Arteta: "That was the problem with Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain for months. Nobody could understand what he wanted to do. And it changed. He played more direct football and all of a sudden it changed completely."
AFPArsenal have failed in three straight Premier League title races
Arteta has brought stability and consistency to Arsenal, but questions remain over the team’s attacking spark and whether they can win silverware. The Gunners have been criticised for cautious play and dependence on set pieces. Their inability to win a single Premier League despite being in three straight title races has underlined their failure to get over the line.
Next up for Arsenal: Olympiacos in the Champions League
Arsenal return to Champions League action this Wednesday against Olympiacos, aiming to build on their solid start to the season. However, Arteta will face increasing scrutiny if performances remain uninspiring despite positive results.
