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Arsenal news: Paul Merson reveals the reason behind shocking Emirates attendances
ARSENAL fans are staying away from the Emirates due to unsatisfactory performances, according to former Gunner Paul Merson.
Arsenal fans have stayed away from the Emirates in recent months
Arsene Wenger's side are pinning all their hopes on winning the Europa League this season after a dismal Premier League showing.
Arsenal sit sixth in the league but face the real danger of being leapfrogged by a solid Burnley side.
The Gunners have lost all five of their away matches in 2018.
And in turn, their home attendances have suffered.
The Emirates has looked deserted on a number of occasions this term, with swathes of empty red seats on show when the television cameras start rolling in north London.
And Merson believes he knows why.
Arsenal fans have regularly stayed away from the Emirates this term
The fans are paying top dollar and they haven't got top-dollar players on the pitch.
"Did you watch the first-half of the game against Stoke in their last home game?" he told Sky Sports.
"The performances just haven't been good enough.
"The fans are paying top dollar and they haven't got top-dollar players on the pitch.
"Too many of them are nowhere near good enough to play for Arsenal Football Club."
Arsenal's home form is the reason the club are still in the hunt for European football next year.
But Merson claims fans are making a statement by avoiding the stadium on match days.
"This team can beat these teams like Stoke at home, but the fans are making their point by staying away," he added.
"That's always dangerous for managers and clubs.
"I know they've sold season tickets, but it isn't good.
"It's been very rare to see the Emirates half empty."