Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal lack competitive edge, claims ex-boss

George Graham believes that Arsenal’s recent poor form is down to a lack of competitive fight in the team.

The north London club suffered a severe blow to their hopes of top-four finish on Sunday as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Everton at Goodison Park.

I don’t see any energy, any competitiveness from the first whistle

George Graham

Wenger’s side are now just a point ahead of the fifth-placed Toffees having played a game more – and Graham feels that the Gunners lack resilience after a run of just one win in six Premier League games.

“They are not competitive enough,” Graham told talkSPORT.

“At the beginning of big games there is usually tackles flying about, there’s intensity about the play, there is energy about the play.

“I don’t see any energy, any competitiveness from the first whistle, and they have got to sort it out quickly.

“They seem to be plodding. Arsenal have always been famous under Wenger for their lovely slick passing and their attacking football, but I just don’t see that nowadays.

“They are full of talented midfield players but, apart from [Aaron] Ramsey, nobody gets into the box.”