Wayne Rooney points to key positive despite Arsenal struggles

Wayne Rooney has offered a calm view on Arsenal’s weekend defeat to Manchester United, despite the blow to their title charge.

Arsenal went into the game holding a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. That cushion was reduced to four points after the loss.

The defeat sparked debate around Mikel Arteta’s choices during the match, especially as momentum swung towards Manchester United in the second half.

Rooney, however, believes the bigger picture still favours Arsenal, even as concerns grow over recent results.

Rooney questions Arteta’s In-game decisions

Speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United forward felt the game changed sharply after United took a 2-1 lead.

According to Rooney, the reaction from the Arsenal bench came too quickly and disrupted the team’s flow at a key moment.

“I think there was a panic today. I think Arteta’s brilliant, I’ve praised him a lot,” Rooney said.

“But I think he panicked after Man United went 2-1 up and to make the four changes at once.”

Rooney felt the timing and volume of substitutions hurt Arsenal more than it helped them.

He added: “I think he’s panicked and rushed those changes, and rather than let Arsenal try and get back into the game with the players they had on the pitch, I think he panicked with the four changes, and it didn’t really pay off, I feel.”

The former United captain suggested Arsenal may have benefited from more patience instead of a sudden shake-up.

Title race still in Arsenal’s hands

Despite cutting Arsenal’s lead to four points, Rooney stressed that the position remains strong as the season moves towards its final stage.

He warned against panic, even though recent form has raised questions around consistency.

“I think the main thing for Arsenal now is not to panic because I think that’s two points from the last nine,” Rooney further said.

The drop in form has come at a crucial time, with the title race starting to tighten.

Still, Rooney believes Arsenal would have accepted their current position earlier in the campaign.

He did, however, point to a small concern around recent results and the need to respond quickly.

Rooney feels the next result could be important in settling nerves within the squad and the dugout.

Arsenal now turn their attention to the remaining games of the season as they continue their push for major trophies.

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