Wenger's former pupil Ikpeba explains why Arsenal are struggling in the Premier League

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who played under Arsene Wenger at Monaco, reckons that Arsenal are struggling in this season's Premier League because they lack maturity and are conceding too many cheap goals. 

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medalist  stressed that the protests before the start of the game did not have an effect on the Arsenal players during their Premier League clash against Everton at the Emirates Stadium last Friday.

Mikel Arteta's side dominated the game but came away with nothing to show for it after Bernd Leno's schoolboy error allowed a shot from Richarlison to squeeze between his legs and into goal in the 76th minute.

Speaking on Super Sport's Monday Night Football, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba explained : "No, it was terrible goalkeeping from the goalkeeper, an own goal, it shouldn't happen.

"When you look at the timeline of this Arsenal side all season, a lot of stupid errors, goals they shouldn't concede.

"It shows the immaturity of this side, it is time for this team to grow and we start thinking about the old Arsenal side."

Arsenal can still salvage their season if they manage to win the Europa League and qualify for next season's Champions League, they face Villarreal in the Europa League semifinals on Thursday, April 29.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com