Smith: Wenger's character is hindering Arsenal's title challenge

Arsene Wenger’s inability to create a good atmosphere in the Arsenal dressing room is threatening to undermine another Premier League title bid, Alan Smith says.

The Gunners have slipped nine points off the pace on the back of successive defeats, as they surrendered leads against Everton and Manchester City, meaning that Wenger’s side are now playing catch-up.

Arsenal have seen challenges fade in the past due to an inability to perform on a consistent basis, with the north London side facing regular questioning as to the character within their ranks.

Smith fears the same issues are arising this season, with a lack of leadership in testing times holding them back.

The former England international formed part of an Arsenal squad that boasted such qualities in abundance during his heyday, and he believes Wenger’s more measured approach is not working.

Smith told Sky Sports News: “When Tony [Adams] played, and I played with him, at half-time and during the course of the second-half, people would be rollicking each other and banging heads together.

“Arsene Wenger doesn’t like that so much. He doesn’t like that kind of atmosphere and shouting in the dressing room. He doesn’t like confrontation, he’s not that kind of character.

“That’s great when you have the best 11 players in the country, but not so good when you have got challenges and it’s not happening. We’ve been talking about it for years and years.

“[Shkodran] Mustafi, they do miss. [Laurent] Koscielny didn’t look as comfortable without Mustafi next to him – he’s a presence and will say his piece.

“They are still short, which is upsetting because they have so many good players and can wipe the floor with any team on their day. But they have those matches where they come up short and I think that means they will come up short in the title race.”

Arsenal’s final fixture of the calendar year sees them welcome West Brom to Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day, while they open 2017 with another home date against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.