Bernd Leno criticises Arsenal teammates amid poor run of form

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has insisted that the club's players and not head coach Mikel Arteta are to blame for the team's struggles this season.

The Gunners came from behind to draw 1-1 with Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday, but the capital giants are now winless in their last six league fixtures and sit down in 15th spot in the table.

Arsenal have had Granit Xhaka and Gabriel sent off in their last two matches against Burnley and Southampton, and Leno launched an attack on his teammates following the draw with Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

"That's not an issue at all (Arteta). The coach can do the least thing for us being in this situation," Leno told Sky Deutschland. "If you look at how we sometimes walked around on the pitch, then the only fault lies with the players. I have to say that honestly. We get red cards, make mistakes, are disorganised.

"These are things that we have clearly addressed a thousand times. In the end, that's a lack of focus among the players. The coach is not an issue in the dressing room, and there is no criticism of him.

"We criticise ourselves and the players know that they are responsible. We actually have quality, but suddenly this break came. But nobody can attach it to just one person."

Arsenal are next in action away to Everton on Saturday before welcoming Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day.