Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva has conceded the Premier League title is out of the reach of the club, but called on fans to give coach Arsene Wenger a break despite the Gunners' poor form in recent weeks.
Since Danny Welbeck's 95th-minute goal handed Arsenal a vital win over league leaders Leicester in February, which took the Gunners to within just two points of the Foxes, Wenger's side have suffered a collapse in form - winning just one of their last eight games in all competitions.
Such poor run of results has seen Arsenal fall not only 11 points behind Leicester, albeit having played one game less, in the league standings but has also seen the team eliminated from the Champions League and the FA Cup to Barcelona and Watford respectively.
Silva, who won the Premier League title with Arsenal's 'Invincibles' side in 2004, believes the Gunners now have a near-impossible task to close the gap between themselves and Leicester but insisted supporters must not take their frustrations out on Wenger.
"This season represented a very good opportunity for Arsenal to become champions. They have lost their chance because they lost so many important points. It's very hard for both the players and the fans to see this opportunity fade away," he told Goal.
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"It's difficult to pinpoint what went wrong. Last season Arsenal didn't win the league but did win the FA Cup. That was a platform for this year.
"The big teams - Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea - are not fighting for the title. With all my respect for Leicester City, who are doing fantastically this year, it's a big chance for Arsenal.
"If you ask me what is wrong, it's difficult to say. Arsenal are too far behind to win the league. Wenger works very hard. You cross your fingers that Leicester lose some points."
He added: "Sometimes people are too hard on him [Wenger]. They forget what he has done over the last, almost, 20 years for the club.
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"They should think a bit more. We all accept criticism but you shouldn't go over the top. Wenger is a very intelligent and capable man. He knows how to deal with this pressure."
