Emmanuel Petit slammed Wilfried Zaha for his lack of effort as Arsenal brushed aside managerless Crystal Palace 4-1 at the Emirates on Sunday.
The Arsenal legend claimed that Zaha ‘wasn’t concerned’ about doing his defensive work and it was proven by the two opening goals that were scored by the Premier League leaders.
Given that Patrick Vieira was sacked in midweek and Palace were 11-games without a win, Petit expected more fight and character from Zaha, but he just couldn’t believe what he was watching from the player in north London, as he told Premier League Productions (19/03/23 at 2:55 pm).
Not many gave Palace hope heading into this game because of the club’s barren run and how they have been dragged into the Premier League relegation fight.
But when Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring after 28 minutes, the ball was delivered from the side Zaha was defending when Bukayo Saka jinked one way, then the other, before assisting his teammate for the opener.
From provider to goalscorer, Saka scored the first of his two goals in the first half and Zaha’s actions when defending both goals left Emmanuel Petit puzzled, as well as Michael Owen.
“When I look at Zaha,” says Petit. “When you lose a manager two days ago. You have to show great character and spirit. You have to fight in the danger zone.
“He isn’t concerned about getting back and helping his teammates. I am very disappointed with the lack of involvement in this action (for Arsenal’s first goal).
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On Arsenal’s second goal: “He’s not concerned anymore. He has to fight. Look at the (lack of) movement. He came back, then he isn’t focused on Saka’s movement. He came inside the box. He should have been more aggressive.
Michael Owen added: “You have one player (Saka) that has loads of desire and another player that hasn’t.”
PALACE ARE IN A REAL MESS
When Palace were beaten by Brighton on Wednesday night, it was obvious that Patrick Vieira was on thin ice, but not many expected him to get the boot.
Some felt that a defeat to Arsenal, and even a heavy loss, would see Mikel Arteta push the Highbury legend out of the managerial door.
But Palace made that call before their trip across London and, as of this moment, they haven’t won a game in 2023, they are without a manager and three points above the drop zone having played two games extra than 18th-placed West Ham United.
In other news, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka makes Liverpool claim when sending Man City message
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