Graeme Souness slams work rate of 70-cap Arsenal star

Tue 22 December 2020 17:15, UK

Graeme Souness has shredded Willian to pieces for his efforts in Arsenal’s latest defeat to Everton at the weekend

The Brazilian hasn’t really had much of an impact since checking in on a free transfer from Chelsea during the summer.

He registered three assists against Fulham on the opening day but has looked woefully out of sorts since.

(Photo; David Price; Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Willian has kept his place in the team, however, with boss Mikel Arteta seemingly wanting him to play through his bad form.

Everton won 2-1 at Goodison Park at the weekend and it’s now seven without a win for the Gunners.

Souness wasn’t at all impressed with the 32-year-old and suggested what he needs to focus on more.

“I want to highlight Willian here. You’re looking to stop it. It comes to Tom Davies, who ends up finding Alex Iwobi.

“Sprint back please, sprint back! You’ve got a job to do defensively, Willian!

“He just goes: ‘Oh, I’ll just jog towards him!’

“It’s so avoidable. Top teams don’t concede goals like that.”

Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup this evening and will look to end a run of winless games.

The 70-cap international is paid a staggering by Arsenal and in fairness, he’s not justified that just yet.

He has managed just three goal contributions all season and they all came in the same game against Fulham.

(Photo; MICHAEL REGAN; POOL; AFP via Getty Images)

Arteta needs more from the winger and he needs to see the form that prompted him to take him across London.

During last season he scored 11 goals and claimed nine assists for Chelsea, with Frank Lampard keen to keep him.

His decision to let him go now looks genius with the Arsenal man struggling badly.

He isn’t the only poor performer but Willian quite simply needs to start offering more.

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