Gunners pay the ultimate price for weak defence

THIERRY HENRY and Arsene Wenger have pinpointed the two main factors behind Arsenal’s third failed title defence in seven years — lack of strength in depth and weaknesses in defence.

Both admitted defeat in the title race after their morale-shattering home loss to Manchester United, even if Henry warned Alex Ferguson that Chelsea already have the Premiership in the bag.

To make matters even worse, the Gunners are now facing a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday’s visit to Aston Villa, with Sol Campbell set to be ruled out with a twisted ankle, while Kolo Toure is suspended.