Paul Merson has claimed that a number of Arsenal players are not good enough to turn out for the Gunners on a consistent basis.
Arsenal suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final on Sunday afternoon, with Sergio Aguero opening the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s side, before Vincent Kompany and David Silva both netted in the second period.
Head coach Arsene Wenger has again been criticised for the embarrassing loss, but Merson has insisted that the players must take the blame for the poor performance.
Indeed, the 49-year-old, who turned out for the Gunners between 1985 and 1997, has insisted that a number of the club’s current players are only good enough for a team of Everton’s standing.
Merson told talkSPORT:
“The team isn’t good enough. Some of the players just aren’t good enough to play for Arsenal.
“They need a clear out. Five or six of the players who played yesterday should be playing at Everton, or lower. It’s all about the players. If you haven’t got the best players, you’re not winning anything.”
Arsenal will again lock horns with City on Thursday night as the two teams prepare to meet at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
The Gunners are still in the Europa League, but have a tough assignment against Italian giants AC Milan in the round of 16.