Alan Shearer was not particularly impressed by Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi’s performance in the disappointing 2-2 draw against Southampton yesterday.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s inability to break up play with tactical fouls, the TV pundit said the 20-year-old lacks the nous that other more experienced defensive midfielders have:

“I might get criticised for talking about fouling but what does [N’Golo] Kante, Fabinho and Fernandinho do? They foul and they stop attacks. It’s a lack of experience from [Matteo Guendouzi] because look at the space Southampton have got to run into.”

Guendouzi was by no means the only Arsenal player who defended poorly yesterday. The Saints had a number of clear cut chances to put the game to bed before Alexandre Lacazette’s last-minute equaliser, and the major concern is how easy the Gunners are to play against.

If they don’t improve defensively over the coming weeks, they are almost certain to slip further behind in the race for a top-four finish. Arsenal are currently eight points off Chelsea in fourth spot, having conceded 19 goals in 13 league games.

Emery’s side have managed just two clean sheets in the league this season, with the last coming against Bournemouth at the beginning of October.