Rooney: ‘Liverpool were really poor and Arsenal weren’t brave enough’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Edge, Arsenal’s Nerves: Rooney Breaks Down Premier League Reality

Wayne Rooney Show Dissects Arsenal’s “Lack of Bravery” Against Liverpool

Following Liverpool’s gritty 1-0 win over Arsenal, Wayne Rooney did not mince his words on The Wayne Rooney Show, broadcast on BBC Sport and available via iPlayer and BBC Sounds. Alongside host Kelly Somers, comedian Kae Kurd, and journalist Sami Mokbel, Rooney gave a no-nonsense verdict on both clubs’ prospects and mindset.

Rooney pointed squarely at Arsenal’s mentality. “The one thing I didn’t see from Arsenal is bravery,” he said. “It looked like they were waiting for something to happen instead of making it happen.” His observation echoed sentiments among Arsenal fans frustrated with the club’s inconsistency in high-stakes matches.

He added, “Liverpool have got top players but Arsenal have too, and you’re waiting for Arsenal to really go and grab the game.” His co-hosts agreed. Kurd admitted, “It looked like Arsenal were scared,” a harsh but telling reflection of the match.

“Szoboszlai Was Brilliant”: Praise for Liverpool’s Balance and Execution

The discussion wasn’t all critique. Liverpool’s performance received significant plaudits. Rooney highlighted Dominik Szoboszlai, stating, “He was brilliant.” Kurd added, “He’s a joke, man. He just plays with no fear.”

Much of the praise was directed at how Arne Slot has quickly stamped his authority at Anfield. Liverpool looked structured, assertive and confident under his leadership. “Slot’s done a great job. They’re solid, they’re pressing, and they look like a team that knows exactly what they’re doing,” Rooney commented.

Kelly Somers chimed in, “When Liverpool click, they really click. You can’t give them an inch.”

Arsenal’s Tactical Hesitation and Transfer Concerns

The show also tackled Arsenal’s ongoing issues with squad depth and decision-making in critical moments. “You’ve got to be able to mix it up,” Rooney said. “They don’t have someone who can just change a game with a moment.”

Rooney questioned the timing and clarity behind Arsenal’s strategy, noting the midfield wasn’t assertive enough and criticising the lack of pressure on Liverpool’s back line. “There was no urgency,” he said. “You’re 1-0 down at Anfield, you’ve got to go for it.”

Sami Mokbel weighed in with a transfer update, though the focus was more on Manchester United’s goalkeeper situation. Still, the underlying narrative remained the same: in contrast to Liverpool, Arsenal look reactive, not proactive.

“That’s Not Me”: Rooney on Player Statements and Dressing Room Dynamics

Later in the episode, Rooney discussed the growing trend of players making public statements before transfer deadlines, drawing on personal experience. “I released a statement when I asked to leave Manchester United,” he revealed, “and I apologised for the timing because it was before a Champions League game.”

Criticising recent statements from players like Wissa and Alexander Isak, Rooney said, “Why not come out early in the window? Doing it 24 hours before the deadline is crazy.” His message was clear: modern footballers must consider the timing and impact of their actions on team morale and focus.

Photo IMAGO

Kae Kurd jokingly labelled it “the age of Instagram transfers,” but the point was serious. Liverpool appear unified, focused and tactically drilled. Arsenal, meanwhile, are distracted and unsure of themselves.

Final Thoughts

Wayne Rooney’s assessment of Liverpool and Arsenal was unfiltered and informed. His years at the top level give his words weight. His central message? Arsenal must rediscover bravery and clarity if they are to challenge teams like Liverpool, who look stronger than ever under Slot. As Rooney put it, “Bravery wins games at this level.”