'It's underrated how important full-backs are'

Arsenal's inconsistent form is down to defensive injuries, according to fan Alex Moneypenny

The Gunners, who host Crystal Palace later in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, are third in in the Premier League after 16 matches, four points behind second-placed Chelsea and six behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

However, they have dropped points against Everton and Fulham in the league this month.

"The issue with Arsenal at the moment is that we are so reliant on our full-backs to give us balance and structure and they are just not fit," Moneypenny told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"There is an argument that he puts too much physical strain on them.

"Calafiori isn't fit. We don't have Ben White or Tomiyasu. It's underrated how important full-backs are for Arsenal.

"We end up playing Thomas Partey on the right and Timber, who's right-footed, as the left-back, which causes a lot of problems.

"If we persist with some balance in those positions it will contribute us to playing well."