Arsene Wenger has given his under-performing Arsenal stars a dressing down following some poor recent results, according to Nigel Winterburn.

The Gunners have seen their Premier League title push stutter after big defeats to rivals Liverpool and Chelsea since the turn of the year.

The Frenchman claimed he was responsible for the Stamford Bridge nightmate on Saturday, but Winterburn told the Weekend Sports Breakfast: “Arsene Wenger is protecting his players [in the press] because he knows he’s got a big game coming up in mid-week [against Swansea].

“Inside that dressing room I’ve heard of late he’s been furious with them at times. He’s angry with the way they haven’t performed when he’s put real trust in them.

“I don’t blame Arsene Wenger for the Chelsea defeat. I blame the players. You can work on certain things in training but, when you’re out there, it’s up to the players to organise.”