‘The way they lost’ — Arsenal legend questions title credentials after loss to Man United

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has questioned his old club’s title credentials following their dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United.

While accepting that defeats can happen, Vieira made it clear that it was Arsenal’s approach and mindset that concerned him most.

Speaking after the match, Vieira did not hold back in his assessment of the Gunners’ performance. “It is NOT the fact that Arsenal lost the game, it’s the way they lost the game. There was a lack of creativity, they need to play with more energy, take more risks!” he said.

Vieira pointed to Arsenal’s inability to capitalise after taking the lead through Lisandro Martinez’s own goal. Despite controlling large spells of the first half, Arsenal failed to push on and instead allowed United to grow into the contest.

The former skipper highlighted a lack of urgency, even after Mikel Merino’s late equaliser, suggesting the team became too passive at crucial moments — a flaw he believes could be costly in a tight title race.

Manchester United’s comeback was led by goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu and a stunning late winner from Matheus Cunha.

After Lisandro Martinez’s own goal gave Arsenal the lead, Mbeumo punished a costly error to level before the break, before Dorgu’s thunderous volley put United ahead early in the second half.

Although Merino briefly restored parity in the 84th minute, Cunha’s sensational 25-yard strike just three minutes later sealed a breathless victory.

The result lifts United into fourth place, leapfrogging Chelsea on goal difference, while Arsenal’s lead at the top is cut to four points, reigniting a title race that had appeared to be drifting out of reach for chasers Manchester City and Aston Villa.