Ex-Arsenal defender Gael Clichy believes Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have carried the Gunners at times this season.
Mikel Arteta's side are currently fourth and took a giant stride towards Champions League qualification with victories over Chelsea and Manchester United last week.
Saka and Smith Rowe met Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp on Saturday
However, the Gunners have struggled at times this season, most notably at the beginning of the campaign, suffering the club's worst start in decades.
Academy graduates Bukayo Saka, 20, and Emile Smith Rowe, 21, were central to Arsenal's mid-season revival, netting 22 of the club's 56 Premier League goals this term.
Clichy, who spent eight years at Arsenal, believes that while the two young Englishman are exceptional, their influence does not reflect well on the Gunners' more senior men.
The Frenchman told talkSPORT: "I was a little bit scared a few months ago, because those two players were actually carrying the team.
"It's great to see, because they're from the academy, and we don't need to talk about the talent, because it's clear to see.
"But sometimes it can be a little bit difficult and tricky because you're asking them to do so much at such a young age. It shouldn't be like this.
Clichy believes the two youngsters have been given too much responsibility
"They should have players around them, taking responsibility, making sure the team is winning points. They should just be there to improve, express themselves and show how good they are.
"They were doing this on top of performing like the big shots of the team.
"Arsenal is trying to rebuild and the best way to rebuild a club is by using academy players. They're lucky because they have so much talent.
"I'm really happy for the players and the club - because if they manage those two players well, they could go a long way."
Clichy believes Arsenal fans can look forward to brighter times with a talented young squad.
And the former full-back hopes it will begin with Champions League qualification for the first time in six years.
Clichy left Arsenal for Man City in 2011
"I really like the way they're playing," Clichy added. "From the beginning, I was sure Arteta was going to do a good job, given time.
"I think he's been given the time and sufficient financial back-up to do so.
"That game against Man United was an important one. Are they the favourites for the top-four? Yes - because of the form, the way they play and the exciting talent they have.
"But, of course, we know you can win against United, put yourself in a great situation, lose the next game, and then it's all over again.
"I would like to see them in the top-four, I think it's a club that deserves that.
"They've struggled to maintain form since Wenger left, but this year they're doing really good."
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