Jamie Redknapp has questioned Mikel Arteta’s approach after Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham. 

He took particular issue with Arsenal’s midfield, claiming they lacked creative purpose and that left-back Takehiro Tomiyasu caused trouble stepping inside as an inverted full-back. 

Arsenal lost a third league game in five despite Bukayo Saka’s fifth-minute opener as goals from Raul Gimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid helped a resurgent Fulham overpower them. 

Redknapp told Sky Sports: ‘[Saka’s opener] should have been the catalyst for Arsenal to go on and win this game so comfortably. They’ve got the players to do it. But they didn’t have that spark today.

Jamie Redknapp believes Arsenal look ‘lost’ and questioned Mikel Arteta’s tactics after the defeat by Fulham

He felt that left-back Takehiro Tomiyasu ‘made a nuisance of himself’ when asked to step into midfield when Arsenal were on the ball

‘We talk about whether they’re getting enough goals but I look at the full-backs and what are they bringing at the moment. He [Arteta] tried the change at half-time. Tomiyasu comes into midfield and all he did was make a nuisance of himself for his own team. He was never given any width. He looked lost in there.

‘Midfield, they weren’t quite right, they weren’t creating enough so they weren’t going to score goals. So much possession without the purpose you need. 

‘When you feel like the forwards aren’t producing, that puts the pressure on the defence. You’re trying to force things at times and leave yourself a little bit exposed.

‘It’s symptomatic of what Arsenal are right now. They’re a bit lost, they’ve got to find their confidence. They have Manchester City breathing down their necks. There are other sides. People thought Arsenal would go on and this might be a bit of a procession for them.

‘This might be the reality check they need. Because they’re right off it at the moment.’

Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal an early lead and Redknapp felt that ‘should have been the catalyst’ for them to win the game

Mexican forward Raul Jimenez struck the equaliser to ensure Fulham went in level at half-time

Bobby De Cordova-Reid scored Fulham’s second to consign Arsenal to a third defeat in five league games

Arsenal have lagged behind their title rivals in the goals column, only scoring 37 to rank joint-sixth alongside Newcastle. They’ve managed to hit the net just four times in their last five Premier League games.  

Their interest in Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been long documented Thomas Frank is reportedly desperate to keep hold of his £100million-rated man after seven defeats in eight. 

Redknapp pointed out the difficulties of ensnaring Toney – who is due to return from his betting ban – and argued that Arsenal’s troubles are more systemic than being resolvable with one signing.  

He said: ‘They’re talking about getting a centre forward in – Ivan Toney is what Arsenal fans want but are Brentford going to sell with the injuries they’ve got? And it’s getting precarious for Brentford, they need to keep him. It’s an area they need to strengthen but they might need to be creative. They might have to get a loan.

‘It’s not going to be easy to get that centre forward and all of a sudden everything is going to click and it’s going to be magic.’

Frustrations boiled over between Declan Rice and Gabriel as Arsenal lost control of the match

It was a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal at Craven Cottage and they couldn’t make their superior possession count. 

Gabriel and Declan Rice had a heated exchange as tempers flared amid their diminishing grip on the game.  

Arsenal are still having an examplary season and despite being fourth, they sit just two points behind league leaders Liverpool. 

Arteta’s men topped their Champions League group and their involvement in the knockout rounds could be a pulling factor for any January pursuits.