'Not enough' - Arsenal legend names two stars who are holding Gunners back as they risk falling behind Liverpool in title race

Arsenal have been involved in two straight title battles over the last two seasons but have fallen unbearably short of the mark as Manchester City ran away with the Premier League title on both occasions. Pep Guardiola's side have had a terrible run of games this season and that could have opened the door for the Gunners to build towards a title charge against current league leaders Liverpool. However, Petit believes there are two players in the squad who are holding back the ultimate potential of Arteta's side.

Speaking in an interview with Ladbrokes, Petit said: "Saka being out for a few weeks is a huge blow – but other players now need to come in, step up, and take on the responsibility. I've been waiting for some players to reach a level, and I'm quite frustrated, to be honest, actually. I'm still waiting for them to reach the next level. I'm thinking about Gabriel Martinelli, for example. I'm not happy with Martinelli. He had a good game against Crystal Palace a few days ago, but that's not enough.

"When you look at his journey, and how he started in the first-team, around the same time as Saka… when you look at how Saka has improved, year after year, and has become one of the best players in the Premier League, I'm thinking "when is that going to come from Martinelli?

"He's not the only one; Gabriel Jesus is the same. He's been playing well, recently, but that's not enough. I'm sorry, but that's not enough."

Petit kept up his criticism of Arsenal winger Martinell, claiming that the Brazilian would not make it to the Liverpool squad as Arne Slot has access to players who can produce higher levels of quality.

He added: "Honestly, do you think Gabriel Martinelli would get into that Liverpool team? No. So how do you compete with that? Rise up your level. You know, you've been at the club for years now. You have the chance to play for one of the best clubs in Europe. Take your responsibility.

"You're playing for Arsenal – you're not playing for a mid-table team, you know? That means your expectation has to rise up. Your mentality, everything, you have to bring more. And if you can't, then that means – for me – you don't have the talent to stay at Arsenal. I'm sorry to say that.

"We have seen his quality in patches, but it's not enough. He is still young, and he can recover quickly, so playing so regularly is not an issue for him. Come on; you have to show more on the pitch."

The Gunners are currently eight points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and it would likely take an implosion of great scale from Slot's side to give up the lead in the Premier League standings. Following their win over Brentford, Arsenal will be in action next against Brighton on January 4 in Premier League action.