Former Arsenal ace Charlie Nicholas has given his verdict on under-fire manager Unai Emery and slammed the experienced members of the squad for their displays this term.
The Gunners suffered another disappointing result on Saturday, requiring a last-gasp Alexandre Lacazette equaliser to snatch a point against a Southampton side fending off relegation.
That has increased speculation surrounding Emery's future in North London, with Arsenal now finding themselves eighth in the Premier League table and eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
As a result, the general consensus is that Emery is inevitably set for an exit from the North London side but Nicholas is not convinced by the club's board.
"It definitely feels that way. After 21 years of Arsene Wenger, it is hard to look at a manager leaving after 18 months and think he has had enough time. But it is not so much the time frame on it, it is the lack of improvement," he told Sky Sports when asked if the end is nigh for Emery.
"They did spend a fair amount of money. Probably in the wrong positions in my opinion. Kieran Tierney has come in and it has taken him ages to get fit, so he will need time to settle. Hector Bellerin has been out. The centre-back position has been poor. Then there's the lack of protectors in midfield.
"I have sympathy with him. But we all know that this is a results business and that's down to the manager. If he doesn't get results, his time will be up and the fans are starting to get angry now. When the anger comes to Arsenal, then the thoughts turn to the board. And when the board are shaking a little bit then they have a decision to make.
"Who will make the decision? It is a committee of four or five people. There are different people involved and it seems even they are confused about it. Arsenal have no leaders on the pitch and no leaders upstairs."
While Arsenal have endured plenty of problems this season, Nicholas explained how the biggest issues have come down to regular mistakes from the experienced players.
"Matteo Guendouzi, I like, but he is young and he is naive and he is not getting taught how to play the position properly. They are all individuals and until they get that team spirit and understanding of it, then Arsenal are constantly going to have problems.
"Mesut Ozil is now in the team and has played quite well, but a few weeks ago we were being told he would be sold in January. What is going on at Arsenal?
"This is why I make the point that while it is the manager's responsibility and the players are letting him down, the hierarchy has got to make a stand. When Wenger was asked to move aside from his position, we were told this was the new modern Arsenal.
"The young players will probably do well on Thursday, but it is the experienced players who are making Arsenal's life a misery."
