Arsenal lack winning mentality says Gunners legend Ian Wright following West Ham defeat

Ian Wright has slammed Arsenal players for their lack of winning mentality and has urged his former club to learn from Chelsea about seeing out games.

The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United at the Emirates in the opening fixture of the 2015/16 season. The former striker criticised Arsenal players for failing to focus on winning games.

Meanwhile, the Blues started their title defence with a 2-2 draw to Swansea City at home. The clash against the Welsh club saw Chelsea lose their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after he was sent off in the second half.

Wright, who is a legend at Arsenal has advised Wenger and his men to change their attitude quickly and has hailed Chelsea's resilience after they avoided a defeat against Swansea, despite being reduced to 10 men.

"What worried me was the same old problem - the apparent lack of a winning mentality. The only thing Arsenal seemed to believe about themselves was their own publicity. And that wins you nothing," Wright told The Sun.

"Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis and the board have worked wonders putting the club on the most solid financial footing imaginable.

"People don't realise how hard up they were, so finishing in the top four as many times as they have is phenomenal.

"But too many players over the years may have slipped into that feeling of believing it is okay to do just enough. That wins you absolutely nothing. Certainly not when it comes to the muck or nettles of a genuine title challenge."

"There is a lot of talent in that dressing room but also a lot of players who need to look at themselves and ask what they are trying to achieve - and how they are going to achieve it.

"There is no doubt they are capable. But without a winning mentality, that won't count for much."

"That's something Arsenal must learn (from Chelsea). At times it seems more important to play great football than grind out a point. That's an attitude which must change, and change quickly," the Gunners legend concluded.

Wenger will take his men to Selhurst Park as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in the upcoming fixture on 16 August. The Gunners will be hoping to seal their first league win of the new season.