William Gallas believes Arsene Wenger has been too reliant on his young players this season.
The French defender is confident the future will be bright for Arsenal, but feels the lack of experience within the squad has proved costly.
The Gunners have struggled with injuries to key players this term and finished the Premiership in fourth.
"What Arsenal needed to compete with Manchester United or Chelsea was a few experienced players," Gallas said in The Sun.
"We have very good young ones - great players of the future - but they were given far too much responsibility throughout the season.
"At one stage they were unable to keep up. You need a richer squad when you want to play on all fronts.
"Arsenal played only with their youngsters for most of the time and then there were injuries, notably Thierry Henry."
Gallas, who left Chelsea for Arsenal at the beginning of the season, admits only time will tell if he made the right decision.
He concedes it would be a dream to play for a big club elsewhere in Europe, but insists he will stay at Emirates Stadium for at least one more season.
"I will be able to answer next year whether Arsenal match up to the challenge I left Chelsea for," he explained.
"My season was too spoiled by injury.
"I want to stay another year to have a full one with this club.
"Football lasts only so long. In a career plan, everyone wants to play for the greatest clubs. It is true this is a dream of mine.
"Whether it is in one, two or five, I do not know. These things come along by themselves. If I have to leave England, I will do so."
This guy really loves to be in the media eh? talks so much abt arsenal. wtf.