It’s well known that Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has incredible amounts of faith in his players.

He believes in their abilities until the very end, giving them every opportunity to prove themselves.

While it’s admirable and has paid off in some instances, it has left Arsenal short as well as the manager doesn’t always push on and improve upon what is already at his disposal. The playing style he prefers requires players with incredible technique and intelligence: does he have that at his disposal right now?

“Arsene Wenger has always wanted to play with a certain style, and there’s no doubt Arsenal have had success with that during his tenure,” said former defender Martin Keown.

The centre-half played under Wenger for eight years, winning two doubles, going a Premier League season unbeaten and winning a further FA Cup and, with the Gunners unable to claim a league title since 2004, he questioned whether or not Wenger’s approach needs to change.

“But as we’ve seen recently, that style has not been working in terms of winning the Premier League.”

On Monday Wenger was branded “arrogant” by Gary Neville, but Keown thinks that’s too far, even though the Gunners maybe haven’t looked strong or improved as one would hope.

“I think that shows that either you believe too much in your players or there is an element of arrogance that your squad will conquer all,” Keown insisted. “With Wenger I think it’s much more the former.”

“One of Wenger’s greatest management skills was the belief he showed in you as a player.

“He might be guilty of overestimating his players at times and I guess that can look like stubbornness and arrogance from the outside.”

What’s for sure is that Arsenal need to improve. Wenger’s faith in his players may end up proving to be a blind spot, but it could also help the Gunners get out of their current rut.