‘This is crazy’: Gilberto Silva thinks two Arsenal stars are being wasted by Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has criticised Mikel Arteta’s tactics in the North London derby, saying the Gunners boss failed to play to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s strengths.

The Gunners have been disappointing in the Premier League this season and, on Sunday, their campaign hit a new low as they were easily beaten 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal fell behind after just 13 minutes as Son Heung-min claimed an impressive opener, unleashing a long-range, curling effort into the top corner.

The South Korea international then teed up Harry Kane for Tottenham’s second goal of the game in first-half injury time, his 19th goal contribution of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Arsenal failed to pose much of a threat at the other end, weighing in with 32 crosses which were ultimately to no avail.

Arteta has previously defended his stance on crosses, but Silva believes such a tactic is “crazy” considering neither Aubameyang nor Lacazette are known for their aerial ability.

“When you talk about the creativity at Arsenal that we haven’t seen. Because when you have how many crosses? 44 crosses? You know, it’s crazy, This is crazy. Considering you have Aubameyang and Lacazette,” Silva told the Invisible Wall podcast.

“They scored a few times with their heads you know, they’re very well positioned, but that’s not their main strength. How can you put in 44 crosses with the bus parked at Tottenham’s defence? This has shown for me the lack of creativity.”

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In the Premier League, Arsenal have been woeful in front of goal this season, finding the back of the net just 10 times in the competition and creating less than 10 shots per game.

Considering there is so much attacking talent in the Gunners ranks, Silva is right to question Arteta’s tactics.

While the Europa League has proven a welcome distraction, things need to be put right in the league as the numbers involving Arsenal don’t make for pleasant reading.