Garth Crooks perplexed by "unbearable" Arsenal in damning rant

Arsenal tightened their stranglehold on a top-four spot over the weekend with a victory over Leeds United, but pundit Garth Crooks remains unconvinced by the Gunners.

Gabriel Martinelli scored twice as Mikel Arteta's side took apart their depleted opponents, with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe also netting either side of a Raphinha penalty for the hosts.

The victory ensured Arsenal ended the weekend four points clear of the teams below them - all of whom have at least one game in hand - and just six behind third-place Chelsea.

However, while praising some of the individual performers for Arteta's side, Crooks stopped short of issuing unreserved praise for a team whose lofty league position still baffles the former striker.

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Crooks' team of the week column included performances from players in the midweek round of fixtures, due to the postponement of a number of weekend games.

Saka made the cut for his display in the Wednesday night victory over West Ham United, describing the youngster as "Brilliant against West Ham and even better against Leeds and the difference between the two teams in both matches" and calling him "the best thing I've seen since I saw Arsenal's David Rocastle burst onto the scene at Highbury".

The England international provided an assist for Smith Rowe's goal against the Hammers, but Crooks' glowing praise was married with some wider criticism for Arteta's side.

"He is the most consistent Arsenal player at the club and has been for the last season and a half - and the reason Arsenal find themselves flying high," the 63-year-old said.

"I can't understand how such an ordinary team keeps getting these results. It's unbearable."

The victory at Leeds was Arsenal's 10th in 18 games this season, and they had just seven victories at the same point in the 2020-21 campaign.

Who stood out for you in Arsenal's win at Leeds? Rate the players below

Crooks also included Martinelli in his team after the Brazilian followed a goal against West Ham with a double at Elland Road.

"The Brazilian's finish against West Ham was classy while his two goals at Leeds simply established the fact this lad is to be taken very seriously," Crooks said, before turning his attention to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future after the former captain was left out once more.

"[Martinelli's form] might be a reason for Mikel Arteta to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang go, although I wouldn't advise it just yet," he added.

"Whatever is causing Aubameyang to misbehave it would be in Arteta's interest to fix it.

"There are still plenty of goals in the Gabon striker and they are always a good reason to persevere with any player that can produce them on a regular basis - and he can."