Former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown has criticised Gunners captain William Gallas for his slack defending.

The France international has come under fire in the early days of the season for his inconsistency with that translating into the performances of Arsene Wenger’s side, who have surprisingly been beaten by Fulham and Hull so far this campaign.

Wenger has, following last weekend’s shock home defeat to Premiership debutants Hull, rued the lack of height while defending, but Keown, who spent much of his career with the north-London club, has blamed the 30-year-old former Chelsea centre-back for the defensive problems particularly on set-pieces.

Keown is quoted in Mail Online as saying: “Gallas is the one who's getting caught. Opponents are having a greater desire to get to the ball.

“He's a quick, mobile defender but first and foremost what you want him to do is attack the ball. It's not coming off and as captain Gallas has to show more desire in such situations.”