Portsmouth full-back Lauren today claimed Arsene Wenger's decision to axe the old guard cost Arsenal their chance of silverware this season.

Wenger sold Lauren last year as part of a clear-out that saw older stars Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg also depart.

Now the Gunners are all but finished in the title race and out of Europe, Lauren claims Wenger's decision to remodel his squad left them inexperienced when it came to important matches at the end of the season.

"Sometimes when you are making changes you have to be careful not to take away too much," said Lauren.

"I felt I was still able to contribute to the team. When you have experienced the highs and lows we went through and when you have competed against Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, it helps you in difficult situations not to lose your head."

Lauren, whose Pompey side lie sixth in the League with next month's FA Cup Final to come, added: "It seems strange that I have left a side where the experienced players were sold to have success with a side full of experienced players!"