It was always going to be a difficult task for Unai Emery to hit the ground running at Arsenal and it’s certainly proving to be the case.The Gunners, who spent £70million in the summer, sit fifth, three points off the top four.Aiming to be battling at the top ahead of the campaign, the title is now very much beyond their reach.And Watford striker Troy Deeney has pointed the finger firmly on Arsenal’s transfer activity in recent years.In terms of quality within the squad and recent spending, the 30-year-old believes Arsenal are struggling to reach the standard of their rivals.

What Troy Deeney said

Talking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Deeney said: “Football works in six-month periods between transfer windows and they are going to have to go again.

“Look at how many transfer windows they are behind the big boys.

“They are probably six, seven or eight behind the big boys.

“That is just being realistic.

“I know people are saying it is a massive cut-price but that’s only on what they had last year.

“But they are still behind the likes of Man City and Man Utd, not just in spending but in the quality they have brought in."

Brutal but honest review from Deeney there.

Arsenal fans react

But obviously, his comments did not go down well with the Arsenal fans:

Troy Deeney praises Arsenal

However, Deeney did also praise the Gunners’ attacking threat this season, adding: “But I think there has a steeliness that has been brought in and there are goals throughout the team.

“They have different styles of play now and can play with the two boys up front that are always going to score goals and give you something to build on.”

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