Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, labeling his handling of the club's striker situation as "absolute amateur hour" and "totally unacceptable."

Speaking on BBC's Football Daily podcast, Sutton expressed his frustration at Arteta's failure to address Arsenal's center-forward issues during last summer's transfer window, despite clear indications that it could cost the team in their title pursuit.

"That's something he should have seen and should have affected last summer, the whole striker thing. And something they should have made a play for, somebody in that position," Sutton said.

The pundit added: "Absolute amateur hour. And to be there five years and to be in that situation, and you can talk about injuries, that's totally unacceptable."

Arsenal's striker crisis has deepened this season with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to injuries. This has forced Arteta to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, a decision that has contributed to the Gunners' faltering form.

After challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title in the previous two seasons, Arsenal are now struggling to secure even a second-place finish. With just two matches remaining in the current campaign, they risk dropping from a position they've held for most of the season.

Sutton dismissed any notion that Arsenal's predicament is down to bad luck, stating: "We can't talk about luck when he's not doing his own job properly."

Reports indicate that Arsenal are planning to strengthen their squad this summer as they aim to mount another title challenge next season. However, for many supporters, these reinforcements may be coming a season too late.

The North London club has now finished behind Manchester City for two consecutive seasons despite coming close to winning the title. Their current struggle to maintain second position with only two games remaining highlights the impact of their striker shortage on their overall performance.