Arsenal lack leadership to end trophy drought: Patrick Vieira

The Express report that former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira believes the current side will not win trophies because they don’t have enough leaders.

Vieira was speaking in a new documentary due to be aired tomorrow night on ITV4 in which himself and Roy Keane discuss their rivalry from the early-2000s.

The Frenchman is now in charge of Manchester City’s reserve side and has revealed what he thinks is the reason for Arsenal’s trophy drought.

He said, “I think when you look at Arsenal they play fantastic football but you need to win games playing badly and I don’t think Arsenal are capable of that at the moment.

“And maybe as well there is a lack of leadership. They may not have a Tony Adams, a Sol Campbell, a Martin Keown.”

“These kind of players who can be a leader on and off the field.”

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry took over the captaincy from Vieira when the French midfielder left for Juventus shortly after lifting the FA Cup in 2005.

When Henry himself left for Barcelona in 2007, William Gallas assumed the role. Cesc Fabregas then held the armband between 2008 and 2011 and when he left in 2011, also for Barcelona, Robin van Persie became captain. The Dutchman has since been replaced by current club captain Thomas Vermaelen, whose appearances have been limited due to injury.

The Gunners have started the season well and are five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, giving fans hopes of a trophy for the first time in nearly 9 years.