Charlie Nicholas delivers blunt verdict on Arsenal’s weaknesses

Charlie Nicholas believes that Arsenal are still looking “soft” at the back this season, despite the addition of Shkodran Mustafi in the summer.

The north London club moved quickly to bring in the German defender after Per Mertesacker was ruled out for a number of weeks with a knee problem.

Mustafi appears to have slotted in well alongside Laurent Koscielny in the heart of Arsenal’s defence following his switch from Valencia back in August.

However, Arsenal legend Nicholas appears not to be convinced by what he has seen from the Arsenal back four so far this term, and warned that their crunch clash at Manchester City later this month could be pivotal in the title race.

Speaking in an interview with The Daily Mirror, Nicholas said: “I think they are still a bit soft at the back and I’m not sure if Arsene knows his best combination of holding midfielders.”

He added: “When they go to Manchester City a week before Christmas, it is going to be a massive test as well as a big moment in the title race.”

Arsenal are currently preparing for their Premier League clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday night.

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The Gunners are currently three points behind leaders Chelsea after 13 games.