The Gunners have been heavily criticised this week and will hope to respond in a positive fashion against Manchester City

Arsenal title-winner Perry Groves believes an evolution is already taking place at the Emirates, but admits there is a little bit of mediocrity in the current first-team.

Arsene Wenger and his squad have come in for criticism this week after losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

Groves, who won the First Division with the Gunners in 1989 and 1991, praised some of the club’s transfer business in January.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Francis Coquelin departing.

Despite an initial 5-1 win over Everton, Arsenal have been unable to build on their busy winter transfer window and sit 10 points off the top-four with 11 league fixtures to play this season.

Groves told PlayWithALegend.com: “There are a few players there who are decent footballers, but they’re probably not good enough to be in Arsenal’s first team – there is a little bit of mediocrity at the moment.

“There needs to be a change of attitude and focus, and there are a few players who a bit too complacent. The likes of Walcott, Coquelin and Giroud have gone, so it looks as though there is a bit of sea change at the club.

“It’s gradually happening. There is a new football hierarchy at the club, Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang are excellent signings, but it’ll be an evolution rather than a revolution.

“After recent performances, there will be four or five players in the squad who won’t be there next year.

“It’s not going to happen overnight – whether Arsene’s manager or not – and we’re looking at least another season for that culture to change.”

The Gunners will look to give their supporters something to shout about tomorrow when City visit the Emirates in the Premier League.

Not only will Arsenal be looking for revenge, after losing to Pep Guardiola’s team in comprehensive fashion on Sunday, but they will also aim to build some momentum again ahead of a crunch period with Europa League fixtures to come in March.

Perry was speaking exclusively to Play With A Legend following the 2018 Carabao Cup Final.