Paul Scholes says Arsenal superstar annoys him during games with one thing that ‘doesn’t achieve anything’

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Arsenal have got off to a steady start this season but Paul Scholes is not impressed with one player, claiming they should be offering much more.

Mikel Arteta’s selection decisions were questioned by pundits after the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which left them five points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Gabriel Martinelli was brought off the bench to devastating effect and equalised in stoppage time after meeting fellow substitute Eberechi Eze’s superb ball, cancelling out Erling Haaland’s opener.

There were more questions than answers for Arsenal, however, and Scholes believes the root of some of their biggest problems actually lies further back.

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Paul Scholes criticises Declan Rice habit

Not for the first time, the pundit was left with a sour taste after watching Declan Rice in action.

The £100million man, brought in from West Ham in the summer of 2023, played the full 90 minutes against City but did not stand out alongside Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Paul Scholes pointed out a flaw in the midfielder’s game, which he says is completely pointless.

“I think he’s got a lot of ability,” Scholes said. “I think he takes too many touches of the football.

“He does all the stud rolling as well, the little stud roll to make yourself look good. It doesn’t achieve anything. He’s got every attribute to be a top box-to-box midfielder, doesn’t use it.”

In stark contrast, Carlton Cole believes Rice is one of the best players in the world at the moment, putting him alongside Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.

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Declan Rice must improve this season

Arsenal supporters were quick to point the finger at their record signing after the draw with City, claiming he has, in fact, been poor all season.

Rice does not seem to be clicking with Zubimendi or Merino in the midfield three, and that’s a real selection problem, especially with Arteta also forced to act after Noni Madueke’s injury.

Despite being solid enough and creating two chances, Scholes was right to previously criticise Rice for failing to nail down a defined role. He has a tendency to allow the biggest games to pass him by.

Arsenal were very good against Nottingham Forest, when he was named on the bench. That should worry him. He has a huge price tag hanging over his head and simply must do better.