Freddie Ljungberg accused his Arsenal players of being ‘scared’ as defeat at home to Brighton condemned the Gunners to their worst run of form in over 42 years.

A 2-1 reverse at the Emirates Stadium means Arsenal have gone nine games without a win, a streak not matched since 1977.

Neal Maupay’s late header sealed a deserved victory for the Seagulls, who had led through Adam Webster’s first-half effort as Alexandre Lacazette temporarily levelled for the beleaguered hosts.

Ljungberg replaced Unai Emery on an interim basis after the Spaniard was sacked last week, but has so far been unable to address an alarming slide in form.

Arsenal have not won since October 24 and Ljungberg admits confidence is rock bottom as he looks to turn things around heading into the packed Christmas schedule.

‘They look very short on confidence,’ he said.

‘In the first half they were scared to get the ball and a bit scored to move, they were just standing still.

‘That’s something we need to talk about. They need to have a win, we need to dig out a win and get them some confidence.

‘They can do it because they showed it in the beginning of the second half and they did it really well for 20 minutes.

‘It’s hard to say that when you lose at home, but they were very good in that little spell.’