Arsenal legend Ian Wright says his club paid for their lack of player investment on Sunday in the Carling Cup final.
In his column for The Sun, Wright wrote: "Arsenal announced their half-yearly accounts yesterday. Yet the timing was terrible.
"We were told about a 'robust financial performance' which was an overall loss of £2.5million - and compared to other clubs, these are very good figures.
"Yet the fact the club started talking about finances the day after a Carling Cup final defeat rubbed salt into the wounds.
"Because, had Arsene Wenger invested in a defender in the January transfer window, maybe Arsenal would have won their first trophy since 2005.
"Congratulations to Alex McLeish and his players. They deserved it. Ben Foster, Lee Bowyer, Barry Ferguson and Roger Johnson were all outstanding.
"Despite Birmingham's excellent display, I was gutted, particularly as the winner came courtesy of a mix-up between Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny.
"Sunday exposed the Arsenal team for lacking experience, even though they have lots of potential.
"I've been on about this for a while now. One or two Arsenal fans say I am no longer their hero because they think I am criticising the club when I talk about the club's lack of spending.
"Paul Merson gets it in the neck from supporters as well.
"I am just saying the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshere need some help. And when key players are missing, as they are now, I am not sure there is enough in reserve."
