Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has criticised the way Arsene Wenger makes his decisions in the transfer market, and strongly felt that the French manager’s decision not to sign a central defender is biting back to hurt them in their quest for success early on in the campaign, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsenal continued their winning run from their win against Galatasaray in the Champions League, as they defeated Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The defensive unit of the squad was down to bare bones, as Laurent Koscielny was out injured, and Calum Chambers serving his ban from the previous week. Right back Mathieu Debuchy had to adjust his gameplay and slot in at centre back while young Hector Bellerin covered for the former Newcastle defender’s original position. Smith featured the build up to Saturday’s game, and felt Wenger would need to change his recruitment policy if Arsenal are to sustain the pressure of multiple competitions through the season.

While the group games in the Champions League may have the Gunners face decent teams from Europe, the knockout round will certainly have them face one of the top clubs in the continent, and a lapse in squad selection could lead to the club out of the competition. Wenger will most certainly have to sign a central defender in the January transfer window if they wish to continue their quest for success.