Arsenal problem in San Siro - "It's good to talk."

"It's good to talk."

Gunners lacked organisers at the San Siro, says Stewart

No velocity: Arteta (right) lacks energy, says Stewart

Stewart Robson told Sky Sports News HD that Arsenal's players must show greater leadership qualities.

"You don't have to be a shouter or a screamer to inspire people, but you need that communication to make sure you're all organised."
Stewart Robson

Arsene Wenger's men were beaten 4-0 at AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday night, while they are also facing a fight to preserve their top-four status in the Premier League.

Reflecting on the heavy defeat in Italy, ex-Gunners midfielder Robson said: "It was as poor as Arsenal have played for quite some time.

"They have a lot of very good individuals, but when goals were going in I don't think they played as a team.

"They certainly didn't defend as a team and there was no communication. You don't have to be a shouter or a screamer to inspire people, but you need that communication to make sure you're all organised.

"Arsenal weren't organised on the field and you couldn't see where the leaders were."

Athleticism

Robson - who played for the Londoners between 1981-86 - believes Arsenal were too ponderous in possession at the San Siro and says they need to be more energetic in the middle of the park.

"They lacked athleticism and when they did have the ball they didn't pass with enough tempo," said Robson. "They didn't play with urgency and they weren't determined in the tackle.

"As good a footballers as (Aaron) Ramsey and (Mikel) Arteta are, they haven't got the athleticism to go after the ball and close down quickly."

However, Robson says the Gunners will snare a spot in the top four this term if Gervinho - who has just returned from African Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast - and fellow winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain support the in-form Robin van Persie.

"On their day they can take teams apart; they took Blackburn apart a couple of weeks ago," Robson said of Arsenal, who face Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

"When Gervinho comes (into the side) Van Persie will come short and they will get runners beyond, including (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"Those three players can cause teams problems if they play well and that's why I still think they will come fourth in the table."

Click here to read Jeff Stelling's view on Arsenal @SKY Sports.