Paul Merson laid into both Ben White and Kai Havertz for their roles in Aston Villa’s first goal during a damaging 2-0 defeat on Sunday.
The Gunners were unable to capitalise on a strong first-half performance at the Emirates Stadium as they were undone by late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.
Arsenal came close to taking the lead themselves at several stages in the opening 45 after Leandro Trossard brought a stunning save from Emi Martinez whilst Havertz and Bukayo Saka also went close.
Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing side were constantly a threat though with Watkins hitting the post in a warning shot before the break.
Mikel Arteta couldn’t rouse a similar performance after half time for his team though and Villa brought themselves back into the match as the home crowd became increasingly nervy.
Merson was left less than impressed with the way that Havertz and White defended for Bailey’s opener during this period.
I’m a big fan of Havertz but he has to stop that cross,” he said, reviewing footage of Lucas Digne swinging in a cross from the left side, falling over in the process.
There were a few occasions where that happened, Ben White pulled out of a few tackles just before he came off, you have to stop that.
