Former Arsenal defender has urged Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to help Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ young players through the club’s difficult start to the season. 

The North Londoners have lost each of their first three Premier League matches without scoring a goal. Two 2-0 defeats by Brentford and Chelsea, and a 5-0 thumping by Manchester City, leave them bottom of the division with a goal difference of minus nine. 

A 6-0 EFL Cup thrashing of West Brom, in which Aubameyang struck a hat-trick, offered some respite. But the loss at Man City applied further pressure on Arteta’s shoulders.  

Lacazette also scored in the victory over the Baggies but both have failed to score in the league this season. 

The Frenchman’s last league goal came in a 4-0 win over Sheffield United on April 11. Aubameyang’s was against Newcastle on May 2. 

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“There is a lot to be done. I really think that the international break came at the right moment for them to get some fresh air and start from zero. 

“I believe Mikel can find some right words to bring back the positives.” 

Sagna also told Arsenal fans to be patient with Arteta, implying that new signings will take time to settle in. 

The Gunners boss faces must-win games against Norwich City and Burnley following the September international break.  

Sagna added: “He (Arteta) was important to Man City, he was important to the players, he was important for Pep and I believe he is still important for Arsenal football club. 

“He has a vision, of course it takes time to build that team. Whether we like it or not we’re going to have to deal with it as fans, because I’m a fan now, and we have to be patient.”