Arsenal legend George Graham feels Arsene Wenger has been caught out failing to buy a top quality centre-half.

Eight goals were conceded by Arsenal at Manchester United and four more flew into their net at Blackburn. Wenger's pride has been hurt but he railed against suggestions he should hire a specialist defensive coach.

"I know Arsene's whole philosophy is geared towards playing positive, attacking football," Graham told the Mail on Sunday. "Only he can answer why, over the years, he didn't buy an outstanding central defender before Thomas Vermaelen. I do like him but what he needs is a Tony Adams alongside him."

Graham built a reputation, and filled a trophy cabinet, on his back four of Dixon, Steve Bould (or Martin Keown), Adams, Winterburn together with keeper David Seaman.

"The way we were set up, we'd never have conceded eight goals and I'm proud of that," said Graham.

"I was brought up to understand that everything you get has to be earned. I felt if you are going to build anything you have to have a good foundation."