Alan Shearer believes Arsenal’s appalling defending in their 5-1 defeat at Liverpool showed that “major surgery is needed” in order for the Gunners to improve.
Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick as Jurgen Klopp’s side stormed to a resounding victory at Anfield, putting them nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
But Match of the Day pundit Shearer insisted the Reds were given plenty of help by an abject performance by the visitors.
The former England captain said: “Liverpool were absolutely magnificent and dominated Arsenal in every single position, scored five and could have and should have scored more. This was meant to be a big test for Liverpool.
“But they’ve had some comically bad defending from Arsenal at times. I know Liverpool forced them into errors, but some of the defending from Arsenal was embarrassing.
“Liverpool could have scored with ease every time they went forward.”
Arsenal boss Unai Emery admitted it was a “bad experience” for his team, who were 4-1 down by half-time and had no answer to Liverpool’s attacking play.
Shearer added: “It was really embarrassing from Arsenal at times defensively. There’s major surgery needed in that backline.
“I know they’ve got injuries but there’s still major surgery needed.”