'Lack of ambition'- Mikel Arteta's approach at Arsenal questioned by former star as Gunners now 'excited not to lose a game'

The Gunners’ unbeaten start to the season ended against Liverpool at Anfield before the international break. Clichy criticised Arteta’s ultra-cautious approach, arguing that Arsenal no longer look to dominate top rivals away from home. Instead, he feels the team has become overly focused on grinding out points rather than seizing statement wins.

Speaking to Metro, Clichy said: "Arsenal is coming to a place where the idea and identify of Arsene Wenger’s football is not seen much anymore.

"We don’t talk about how well Arsenal played these days, we talk about how difficult they are to break down or how impressive they are on set pieces. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic and it’s part of the game you need to exploit but if we talk about what Arsenal used to be and what Arsenal is today, there’s nothing to compare anymore.

"We have to accept the manager wants something different. And maybe with the wingers and striker we have, we see more of this old-school way. But we also have to tell it like it is – we have also maybe seen a lack of ambition from Arsenal as a club and from Mikel.

"When you look at that game against Liverpool, you can see a team that is not concerned about winning but a team excited not to lose a game. This is very subtle but this is a massive difference for a team that is competing for the title. So hopefully this will change with the players they have now.

"Liverpool started the season very fragile, giving up opportunities. But Arsenal did not exploit that, they did not want to hear it. This is the part where Mikel needs to adjust. Yes, you will win points, I have heard him saying how they are the team who have won the most points over the last three years. But you haven’t won anything. It is not a question about points, it is going to those places and getting the win."

Clichy’s remarks underline a wider debate about Arsenal’s transformation under Arteta. While their defensive solidity and tactical discipline have been praised, their reluctance to take risks has cost them key points against rivals. Success this season may hinge on whether their new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, can provide the cutting edge in decisive games, with a prolific No. 9 having been something they have been eagerly missing.

Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break, determined to keep pace with Liverpool. Arteta will be under pressure to show greater ambition in big matches, starting with the clash against Nottingham Forest.