Former Gunner Paul Merson has criticised Arsenal for only turning on the style when the pressure was off last season.

But despite winning silverware last term, Merson has accused the Gunners - who have not lifted the Premier League trophy since 2004 - of failing to be consistent throughout the season.

"When they moved stadium, I knew the purse strings were tight," Merson told The Sport Review.

"They had to get back in order and get the stadium paid for. To stay in the Champions League so consistently that long is great.

"But that's gone now. They need to be challenging. They didn't challenge last season – not once.

"Everybody said they played great football, but they played great football when the pressure was off.

"They need to be playing big games under pressure, not when it is all over."