Jermaine Pennant has hit out at Arsenal players for trying to bring about the dismissal of Unai Emery through their recent performances.

The Spaniard is under heavy pressure following a 2-2 draw at home with Southampton last weekend - a game that should have been comfortably won by the Saints.

Following a run of just one win from seven games, reports claim that Emery could be sacked should Arsenal fail to beat Norwich City this weekend.

Speaking on the subject of Emery, Pennant told 888sport: "The players have got to look at themselves because there is only so much that the manager can do.

"He can give instructions and pick the team, but he can't pass the ball for you. And some of the goals they are conceding is not due to the manager. That comes down to application.

"That comes down to knowing how to defend properly. It's the fundamentals like seeing the correct pass and knowing where to be and where not to be. That's down to the players. They need to look at themselves and be more energetic. Defend like every game is a cup final. Instead they're half-hearted like they're trying to get Emery sacked."

Arsenal's hierarchy put out a statement ahead of the November international break stating that the club remained fully behind the former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain manager.

However, it has been widely reported that Emery will lose his job if results fail to improve over the ensuing month.