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"Mikel Arteta has got big questions to answer"

The former Gunners defender delivers his verdict on Arsenal's current problems

August Manger of the Month Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side run out 3-0 winners against Brentford
August Manger of the Month Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side run out 3-0 winners against BrentfordCredit: Julian Finney / Getty Images

Arsenal chucked away a winning position to draw 1-1 against Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-final first leg but former Gunners star Nigel Winterburn is still seething after last week's miserable 3-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool.

Winterburn, first part of George Graham's famously wateright tight back four, before playing under Arsene Wenger says current manager Mikel Arteta has "got big questions to answer."

Speaking to freesupertips.com Winterburn said: "I certainly don't lower my expectations of what I expect.

"I think what the supporters were shocked about was the level of performance. That was way under par for every single player really.

"It wasn't a Liverpool team in top form. They've had their problems this season, some of their players are out. I just think the performance, how we were, how we sat back. We didn't try and mix up our game enough. We didn't put them under any pressure.

"The level of performance was just so low. It was incredible. I think that's why everybody was upset.

"If you try and analyse the whole season, I think this has been Arsenal’s problem because we see some progression, we see some real good performances, or patches of good performances throughout games.

"And then all of a sudden, we hit a Liverpool performance and I think a lot of people probably thinking the same as me is between the good and the bad, the difference is way too much.

"You cannot have that in a season, the amount of times that we've had it and expect that you are going to get back up the league and anywhere near Champions League qualification.

"He's got big questions to answer. I like what he's trying to achieve. But it won't be my voice that puts Mikel Arteta under pressure, it will be results. And it will be the voice of all the supporters.

"That level of performance everybody knows is not acceptable. The players and the manager wouldn’t need me to tell them, they would know it themselves."

Sergio Aguero, who is leaving Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer, has been linked with a switch to the Emirates, however, Winterburn isn't sure the Argentinian is perfect for the Gunners.

"I have no problem with the age of players and he's proven quality," acknowledged Winterburn. "But over the last season and a half, he's had a lot of injuries. And that would be my big one worry and it also would depend on how you want to play."


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