Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has become a victim of changing times in football, former Premier League manager Alan Curbishley has told ESPN FC.
Wenger came in for criticism after the Gunners lost 4-3 at home to Liverpool on Sunday, not least for a team selection that left Laurent Koscielny in the stands, a protective measure as the central defender played in France's run to the Euro 2016 final.
Curbishley, who recently interviewed Wenger for his book "Game Changers," managed Charlton for 15 years from 1991 to 2006 before a two-year spell at West Ham ended in 2008, and said that two decades at Arsenal had only increased the pressure on the Frenchman.
"It's part of today and the media these days," Curbishley said. "One banner in a 50,000 crowd will be highlighted. Fans know that now. It's a big influence on what goes on. I think that Arsene is in a situation now where's he been at a club an awful long time, a little like myself, a little like [former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson].
"Fergie had to win things every year, I had to survive in my situation, getting the club up to the Premier League and keeping them there. Arsene's in a different position. It's not just about finishing in the top four any more. The Arsenal fans want to win something. I think the expectation levels are changing at the Emirates. If they are not going to be reached, they are going to get criticism."
On Sunday, with Koscielny joining injured central defensive colleagues Per Mertesacker and Gabriel on the sidelines, Wenger had to field an inexperienced partnership of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding, the latter making his debut after being signed from Bolton this summer.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who had starred in Wales' run to the Euro semifinals, pulled up with a hamstring problem in a disappointing first match of the season.
"You see Ramsey getting injured, and you see [French international Dimitri] Payet coming on for West Ham at Chelsea and looking quite fresh," Curbishley said.
"It is very difficult to get it right. The players are playing virtually all year round. The physios measure them from the minute they arrive at the training ground and they know where they are at. You have to listen, though you don't always have to take their advice."