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Jacques Crevoisier fears the Gunners are unprepared for sustained success The French physiologist and coach, who has known the Emirates boss for over 40 years, says the Londoners are not mentally strong enough as they fail to win matches when playing badly.

Crevoisier says the team has not got a Plan B for tough matches and their defence is still not good enough.

The Gunners, who conceded a late goal in a 1-1 FA Cup draw with Leyton Orient at the weekend, host Stoke in the Premier League tonight.

Then Wenger's men go in search of the club's first trophy in six years when they face Birmingham in the Carling Cup final on Sunday.

Crevoisier said: "Arsenal have an intelligent style of play. They always seek to impose their mastery, skills, speed and passing game on the opposition.

"There are just two teams in Europe who are really a treat to watch - them and Barcelona.

"But the problem with Arsenal is simply that they do not know how to win when they play badly, unlike Manchester Untied.

"Arsenal do not really have a Plan B that I have noticed.

"They don't always look to have a good balance between attack and defence, and if they are not in dazzling form they don't manage to win. We saw this once again recently at Newcastle, where they led 4-0 and ended 4-4, although refereeing mistakes and the behaviour of some opposing players were factors as well."

Crevoisier, who had a spell as a coach at Liverpool under Gerard Houllier, devises psychometric tests for the Gunners' young players.

His 117-point questionnaire helps Wenger identify their strengths and weaknesses.

In the past, Crevoisier has worked closely with Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott.

And he insists it is obvious Arsenal need to strengthen their back four. He added: "Above all, they need a top central defender who can compliment Thomas Vermaelen or Laurent Koscielny.

"A guy of Rio Ferdinand's calibre, who is very strong in one-on-ones, or someone like Tony Adams.

"Arsene's never had anyone better than Adams all the time he has been at the club.

"I have to add that their defence is still punished too often from the impact and size points of view. Bacary Sagna, Koscielny, Gael Clichy - it's not great, is it?

"But even if Arsene has the chance to invest in this area of the team, who could he bring in and how much would they cost?

"He does not have a straightforward choice.

"The team seems more mature and experienced than a year ago.

"If they can maintain their standard of play, avoid major injuries and get Vermaelen back they will be close to winning the Premier League.

"This could be their year. It will be between them and Manchester United and it will go down to the wire. There are the two domestic cups for them as well.

"I often speak with Arsene and I know he can't put up with not winning anything any longer. He loves the beautiful game but he is a competitor above all."

Labels: Arsenal