Alan Smith: 'Arsenal still have defensive issues'

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has claimed that the Gunners' heavy Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday proves that the team still have problems in defence.

Arsene Wenger's side went three goals down inside the first 45 minutes at the Allianz Arena before the Bundesliga champions went on to record a 5-1 victory.

"I was expecting it to be difficult but not that difficult," Smith told talkSPORT. "They made it that way themselves the way they set up, the way they defended.

"They have still got that in them Arsenal and I was hoping with all the great performances they have had this season that they would be able to iron out those horrific defensive displays that come along now and again. But it is still in their make-up and Arsene Wenger has got to find an answer. He is responsible for it.

"As we saw last night, Arsenal are still a long way behind the big clubs. You have to sort out those defensive aspects against the very best and I thought Arsene Wenger picked the wrong side. The boys made it far too easy for probably the best side in the world."

Arsenal face rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.