Bale: Arsenal 'damaged' following departures

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale believes the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri has 'damaged' Arsenal.

Spurs overcame their North London rivals on Sunday, Rafael Van der Vaart and Kyle Walker both getting on the score-sheet in the 2-1 win that leaves Arsenal in 15th place, two points above the relegation zone.

And the Welshman now believes Arsene Wenger's side are much weaker than they were in previous years following the exits of the aforementioned duo.

"Arsenal have lost a few players, which makes them more beatable I think as that has damaged the way they play," Bale said.

"We exposed that. I think keeping your best players is a massive thing. They are used to how you play and what you do. It is vitally important to do that and build your team around them."

"It is important that we have (Luka Modric), and Arsenal were unlucky not to keep theirs."

Nonetheless, the former Southampton trainee believes Arsenal will improve as the season wears on.

"They are still a great team. They haven't had the best of starts but I am sure they will improve," added Bale.

"They have a lot of young players who are going to grow up in the next season or two and learn a lot. I am sure they will be fine."