Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant has accused the club’s players of trying to get manager Unai Emery sacked.
The former PSG boss is coming under increasing pressure at the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners’ poor start to the season, with Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo the latest name to be linked with a move to north London.
Emery is expected to take charge of Thursday’s Europa League encounter with Eintracht Frankfurt, although there is a great degree of uncertainty over his future at Arsenal beyond that.
But Pennant, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, believes the Spaniard’s players have a lot to answer for, and feels they could be responsible for getting their manager the sack.
“I don’t know if the players have lost faith or it’s the noise surrounding whether he should stay or go, but seeing the team selections and what is happening with Xhaka and the performances on the pitch I don’t think even the players know what their best formation is,” Pennant said.
“The players have got to look at themselves because there is only so much that the manager can do.
“He can give instructions and pick the team, but he can’t pass the ball for you. And some of the goals they are conceding is not due to the manager.
"That comes down to application. That comes down to knowing how to defend properly.
“It’s the fundamentals like seeing the correct pass and knowing where to be and where not to be. That’s down to the players.
Pennant added: “They need to look at themselves and be more energetic. Defend like every game is a cup final. Instead they’re half-hearted like they’re trying to get Emery sacked.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Jermaine Pennant here.
