“I’ll Hold Arteta Personally Accountable!” – Patrick Vieira Slams Decision to Start Key Arsenal Star vs Brentford Ahead of Real Madrid Clash
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has sparked a storm of debate after fiercely criticizing Mikel Arteta’s team selection ahead of today’s Premier League clash with Brentford. The former Gunners captain revealed he’s “disappointed” with Arteta for starting a key player he believes should have been rested ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Champions League showdown with Real Madrid next week.
Speaking during a press segment just before kickoff, Vieira didn’t mince his words:
> “I’m actually disappointed in Arteta when I heard he’s in the lineup today to face Brentford,” Vieira said. “This player needs to be rested ahead of the Madrid clash. If anything should happen to him today, I will personally hold Arteta accountable.”
In a shocking twist, Vieira clarified that he wasn’t talking about Declan Rice or Martin Ødegaard—two players often seen as vital to Arsenal’s midfield. Instead, he pointed to another name, sparking speculation and fan buzz across social media.
Although Vieira didn’t name the player directly in the clip, sources close to the club suggest he was referring to Bukayo Saka, the young winger who has carried a heavy workload all season and is seen as absolutely crucial to Arsenal’s hopes against Madrid.
> “This is not good for us at all,” Vieira added. “Why should Arteta start him today when we have academy players on the bench? We’re risking too much.”
Saka has been instrumental in Arsenal’s campaign—both in the league and in Europe—but has also shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks. With a massive tie against Real Madrid looming, many fans and pundits expected the England international to be rotated or given a full rest.
Arteta, however, has doubled down on the importance of winning every league game, especially with the Premier League title race heating up. But Vieira’s comments have added more pressure—and scrutiny—on the manager’s decision-making ahead of the most crucial stage of the season.
Whether this gamble pays off or not, Arsenal fans will be praying that their star man comes through unscathed—because any injury now could prove costly both in England and Europe