Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has insisted that manager Arsene Wenger is not to be blamed for their poor recent performances.

The Gunners currently sit sixth in the Premier League, 13 points adrift of table-topping Chelsea and are four points behind London rivals West Ham United, who occupy fourth place.

After suffering three defeats in their last five games, Oxlade-Chamberlain believes that it is the players who should be taking responsibility for their 'lacklustre' displays.

According to Goal.com, when asked about the fan's reaction to last Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Stoke City, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "I think on that day it would've been harsh for a fan to completely blame our manager. Ourselves as players we need to stand up and take some of that blame ourselves for sure.

"All that I can say is that, from my point of view, our manager Arsene Wenger is an unbelievable man off the pitch and as a manager. He's been brilliant for me in my career and I can say that about a number of players at this football club, he's helped us all massively.

"It's not just him to blame when things go wrong, it's us as well to take responsibility but he'll say the same as me and I'm sure he'll take responsibility because that's what a great manager he is."

Arsenal host Newcastle this evening as Alan Pardew's side look to continue their fine form in the Premier League.