Former Chelsea star and one player blamed for Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has blamed two players Ben White and Kai Havertz for the club’s recent defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Recall that Arsenal’s chances of winning the EPL this season was cut short after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday.

A win against Villa would have taken the north London side to the top of the table and increase their chances of winning the title.

However, the game didn’t end well for the Gunners as Aston Villa took the lead in the 84th minute thanks to Lucas Digne cross.

Ollie Watkins scored a second goal in the 87th minute after running from inside his half and chipping the ball past David Raya in goal.

In a post-match statement, Merson berated Havertz for not stopping Digne’s cross for the first goal.

He also pointed out White’s failure to stop the second goal.

Speaking via Sky Sports, Merson said “You’ve got to stop that cross! There was a time when Ben White jumped out of a tackle before coming off.

“You’ve got to stop these things. These chances come around not too many chances in a lifetime of winning the league and you’ve got to get out there and stop that.

“Ben White is jumping out of a tackle, he’s a defender jumping out. You don’t get these chances. You go home tonight and think that’s gone.

“For me it’s gone. You’ve worked that hard for 32 games to go that extra yard, just one yard to stop that cross. It’s lazy.