Arsenal news: Gunners lack 'experience and leadership' - but should keep Arsene Wenger, says Gary Neville

The Gunners succumbed to a 4-3 opening weekend reverse to Liverpool in front of a hostile crowd

The Arsenal supporters made their feelings known (Getty)

Gary Neville says Arsenal are “lacking experience and leadership” but has insisted the north London club should stick with beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners succumbed to a 4-3 opening weekend reverse to Liverpool in front of a hostile crowd, at one point trailing by three goals, with a starting line-up weakened considerably by injuries.

Wenger led Arsenal to second in the Premier League on the final day of last season but has attracted strong criticism from the club’s fans, many of whom considered the previous campaign to be their best shot of the title since 2004.

“I am sure when Arsene Wenger is not here, there will be a massive amount of admiration for what he has achieved at this football club,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“I would advocate him staying on because it feels like we have new managers every 10 minutes and he is a stalwart. You look at what he has achieved - he is the most successful manager in their history.

“Unfortunately the shame of modern football as it is, we don't appreciate stability and continuity as much as we should. When you sign five or six players and sack your manager, it's almost like fans are invigorated again.”

Manchester United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all changed managers in the past 12 months and subsequently seen an upturn in optimism around the club.

Neville, however, added: “There is a feeling among some fans that Arsenal are lacking inspiration and it shouldn't be like that on the first day of the season.

“Some Arsenal fans are feeling a bit tired. It didn't feel like an opening weekend game. There was a point in the second half when it felt like a cup match, end to end.

“The first half Arsenal were the better team, Liverpool just didn't play. But the big moment in the game was the Philippe Coutinho free-kick just before half-time. It was a killer blow for an Arsenal team lacking experience and leadership.”