Gary Neville has slammed Arsenal's defenders for being "uncoachable" following the club's decision to sack Unai Emery.

The Spaniard, who succeeded Arsene Wenger in 2018, was removed from his position on Friday morning following a winless run of seven games.

During that run, Arsenal conceded 15 goals - they have not kept a clean sheet since October 6 - and surrendered the lead on five occasions.

Reacting to news of Emery's dismissal, Neville told Sky Sports News: "Let's be clear about this, these defenders are uncoachable.

"There is no way Unai Emery is telling David Luiz to step up two or three times to play offside or some of the hideous things you see from other defenders and midfield players.

"You think of Xhaka the other week. Emery is a man of honour and you see his behaviour. This is something far deeper than the coach. He is potentially sailing over the shores of the Channel this afternoon and is very happy to leave behind what is quite simply a very average bunch of players."

A recent report claimed that Emery was not a particularly popular figure at the Emirates and was openly mocked by some players during the final few weeks of his reign.

Massimiliano Allegri, Brendan Rodgers, Mikel Arteta, Carlo Ancelotti and Nuno Espirito Santo have all been mentioned as potential candidates to take on the role.