Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger held crisis talks with his players yesterday following defeat to Chelsea. The Daily Star says the worried Gunners boss called his stars into a meeting to warn them their season is on course to end in disaster.

Wenger told his underperforming players to "man up" if they want to avoid missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 15 years.

Usually Arsenal would enjoy a 'warm-down' session the day after a match. But following Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea, Wenger felt he needed to shake up his squad by warning them of their perilous position in the table.

Wenger is understood to have told the squad he is looking for more leaders on the pitch to fight for the Arsenal cause.