Arsenal: Emmanuel Petit hits the nail on the head

Emmanuel Petit has urged Arsene Wenger to recruit players like Alexis Sanchez, with a winning attitude. The former Arsenal midfielder has hit the nail on the head.

The modern football era is one in which every man and his dog has an opinion on what their club should or should not do, including me. From the tactics on the pitch to the price of the pies, everyone has an opinion and rarely do they align. Such opinions are heightened when it comes to transfer time, and even more so for an especially vocal Arsenal fan base.

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However, it isn’t just fans that are willing to have their say on what they think their respective clubs should be doing. Journalists, commenters and even ex-players are all given the platform to voice their celebration or concern.

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The latest to do so with an Arsenal slant is Emmanuel Petit. When asked about the types of players that he would like to see Arsene Wenger pursue this summer, Petit was quick to highlight the winning attitude of Alexis Sanchez as a characteristic that should be replicated by any potential addition:

"“Winners have shown that they can face challenges, that they have the desire needed for the club to win major ­honours. They have a special ­mentality. They have shown what they can do and that is the kind of player Arsene needs to bring in now. Now, he [Alexis Sanchez] IS a winner. His attitude and ­approach in every game is fantastic. I can see why Arsene wants to keep him.”"

In this case, Petit has hit the nail on the head. For many years, Arsenal’s issues have not been because of a lack of talent or ability in their squad. They have always had the players. What they have lacked, though, is the grit, the determination, the desperation to win that breeds a consistency and a relentless that is required to be successful in chasing for long and arduous league titles.

Sanchez, while a player who must curtail his outbursts for the benefit of the dressing room, is someone who clearly hates losing. This desire to win is what drives his motor; he is seemingly willing to work harder, run faster, play at a greater intensity than many of his teammates because of his mentality, rather than his mere ability.

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Wenger must be looking for players who have the quality to improve what is already in the squad. But he must also address the needs of the squad, and there isn’t a greater one than the complacent, soft mentality that is corrupting any progress made. Petit, unfortunately, is absolutely spot on.