The retired midfielder, who’s now football development executive at Manchester City, says the Gunners lack the physical bite that their rivals City, Chelsea, and Manchester United all possess.

And Vieira says until they learn to sacrifice a bit of glamour for grit, they’ll continue to come up short when the honours are handed out at the end of the season.

‘Since I left Arsenal, there are new players, a new generation and maybe a new philosophy because Arsenal play better football than we used to do in my time," said the Frenchman.

‘ But our team was more physical and responded better to the English game. We had everything, and maybe now Arsenal lack the physical aspect of the game.

‘If you look at Manchester United, Chelsea and City, the physical aspect of the game is there.

‘The big problem in the last few years has been the physical difference between Arsenal and other clubs.’

Vieira won three league titles and four FA Cup during his time in north London, and since his departure in 2005, the Gunners have failed to get their hands on a single other trophy.

The 35-year-old fears a lack of old guard may be the problem facing Wenger, as experienced players haven’t been properly replaced.

‘Look at the goalkeeper back then, you had the personality and presence of David Seaman,’ he added.

‘In defence you had players like (Tony) Adams, (Steve) Bould and (Martin) Keown and then myself and Emmanuel Petit in the midfield - it was a big, physical, intimidating team.’