Robert Pires says even Arsene Wenger doesn’t know why Arsenal are struggling in the Premier League this campaign, but the former Gunner thinks the cup final could be a turning point.

Arsenal are having more trouble getting into the top four this season than they have had in many years. The club currently sit in sixth, seven points behind their nearest big-six rival. According to Arsenal legend Pires, Wenger doesn’t know any better than the rest of us why that is.

When asked why Arsenal have struggled this season, Pires responded: “Even Arsene does not know. He tried to build a good team to be competitive in the Premier League but the Premier League is very difficult.”

On the other hand, the Frenchman clearly doesn’t think the season is beyond saving. He reckons Wenger should take a leaf out of Jose Mourinho’s book, and aim to win the League Cup and Europa League.

“Manchester United is a good example for Arsenal,” Pires said. “I agree with what Mourinho said last season.

“This season has been difficult for Arsenal when you see the team in sixth place and seven points behind Tottenham. But win against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday and win the Europa League, and for me it will be a great season.”

Beating Manchester City this weekend is likely to be a very tough task. Guardiola’s side are the runaway leaders of the Premier League, and only lost their third game of the season on Monday. Arsenal have lost three matches since mid-January. Nonetheless, Pires isn’t ruling out a win for his former side at Wembley.

“Of course they can beat City,” he said. “When you look at the team on paper, Arsenal can beat all the teams. They beat Chelsea in the semis and why not Manchester City in the final?”

In the FA Cup last year, no one gave Arsenal a chance when the other three teams remaining were Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs. Of course, City weren’t as strong as they are now, but Wenger’s men still overcame the odds to win. Hopefully they can do the same again this time around.