The Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer gave a scathing review of Arsenal’s performance and warned what it could mean.
Alan Shearer branded Arsenal’s performance against Everton as ‘awful’ and suggested they may struggle to avoid relegation this season.
Nicolas Pepe’s penalty may have ensured Arsenal of a goal in two consecutive league games for the first time since October, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them falling to an eighth defeat in their last 12 matches (W2 D2).
Rob Holding’s own goal and a Yerry Mina header before the break ensured Everton of a 2-1 win over the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now just four points above the relegation zone in 15th-place and could fall to 16th if Brighton defeat Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.
It’s the club’s worst start to a league campaign since 1973/74 and even Shearer couldn’t help but be appalled by what he saw.
“I wouldn’t be so sure [they will stay up],” the former Blackburn and Newcastle striker said to BBC Sport.
“Not with that starting team and the attitude of some of those players.
“Awful – no creativity, players going through the motions, not working hard enough and not closing down.
“Mikel Arteta should be a worried man relying on that group of players trying to save his job.
“Twelve goals all season, they have no options. Arsenal are never going to score goals playing like that.”
Arsenal goalscorer and record signing Pepe, meanwhile, got singled out for criticism by Shearer.
He added: “Against Everton, Pepe was not prepared to get into the box. [Pepe] was jogging, sometimes walking. He has got to do more.
“There are a few players in that team who are not giving everything for the manager.”
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