Alan Shearer believes that Arsenal lack leadership and ruthlessness, which is how smaller clubs manage to get one over on them if they apply enough pressure.

Shearer wrote in his column for the Sun that Arsenal’s soft centre was exposed once again during their 2-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday.

If smaller teams apply some pressure and decide to have a go, their efforts usually won’t be in vain.

“Matches in the Premier League are often defined by such fine margins but it highlighted again the soft centre that continues to cause Arsenal problems,” Shearer wrote.

“You know that opposition sides now sense that if they put the pressure on they may just be able to nick a result.

“It’s a case of Groundhog Day for Arsenal and their fans. We know the side lacks leaders.

“We know they need an injection of ruthlessness.”

hector bellerin watford 1
WATFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on October 14, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

The Gunners have shown before that they’re unable to cope under pressure, yet this hasn’t been rectified. In fact, teams that wouldn’t have dreamed of beating Arsene Wenger’s side 10 years ago are now coming away successful because Arsenal are so easy to beat.

Before, it perhaps took a master tactician like Jose Mourinho to cut through the Gunners’ midfield like butter or lock them out. Now, Tony Pulis can look like manager of the year against us.

Credit where it’s due, Watford are doing well at the moment. In fact, they’ve now moved up into the top four after fighting relegation last term. Marco Silva has injected them with energy.

Regardless, Wenger is one of the longest-serving and successful managers in the world. Arsenal shouldn’t be going to Vicarage Road, having six shots on target to the Hornets’ two and still be leaving with a 2-1 defeat.