Chris Sutton criticises Arsenal pair; but picks out two teammates for praise

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Chris Sutton has criticised both Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for their form this season, but also picked out two Arsenal teammates for praise, in comments for the Daily Mail.

Mikel Arteta’s side suffered another defeat at the weekend. The Gunners were beaten 2-1 at Everton. The result leaves them just a handful of points above the relegation zone.

There looks to be numerous problems for Arteta to address. And Willian is certainly one. The Brazilian has proved to be a hugely disappointing signing since arriving in the summer.

Meanwhile, there have also been concerns about Aubameyang’s form. The captain’s superb finish against Southampton has been a rare highlight for the forward this season.

Sutton has not been impressed by either man. However, he did name a couple of players who he believes should leave Arsenal fans with reason for a little more optimism ahead of a crucial period.

“Willian joined in the summer but may as well be playing in his slippers. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decided to take a holiday after signing his bumper new deal,” he told the Daily Mail.

“At least Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka are showing fight, but Arsenal are in trouble. They have too many talented players to drop to the Championship. The upcoming games against Brighton and West Bromwich could be six-pointers.”

TBR View: Tierney and Saka setting the standard

Tierney has often been a shining light for the Gunners this season. His work-rate can rarely be questioned. And there have been plenty of times when he has looked like a leader.

Saka meanwhile, is one of the few players who is still making things happen in the final third. It was his outstanding run that led to Aubameyang’s goal last week. And he perhaps should have bagged an equaliser on Merseyside.

The idea of Arsenal being involved in the latter stages of a relegation battle still seems incomprehensible at this stage. But Arteta certainly needs more to follow Tierney and Saka’s lead and step up.