Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has issued a stark warning to his former club, emphasising the critical need for perfection if they are to end their long-standing drought without a Premier League title. Currently, Arsenal trail nine points behind league leaders Liverpool after losing twice in their first 13 matches of the season.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s performance, Gallas pointed out the contrast with previous seasons where the team lost only once in their initial 15 and 21 games respectively. The upcoming match against Manchester United, the only team to defeat Arsenal in the first half of the 2022-23 season, looms large.
Last season, Arsenal overcame United both at home and away, but those victories were hard-fought, especially at the Emirates where two stoppage-time goals secured the win.
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“Arsenal must win against Manchester United,” Gallas told Genting Casino. “They have no choice. Not just against United, but against every team they face. Even against Fulham, because Liverpool could drop points, despite their strong squad.”
Arsenal
William Gallas (Image credit: Getty Images)
Gallas highlighted the volatile nature of the Premier League, where a quick shift in points can change the league standings dramatically. “Liverpool might draw twice, Arsenal wins twice, and suddenly, the gap narrows from nine to five points,” he explained, urging Arsenal to remain in close pursuit.
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The former defender also cautioned that a victory against United would be meaningless without a follow-up win against Fulham. “I want to see Arsenal go to Fulham and win,” he added, emphasising the importance of not dropping points against supposedly lesser opposition.
This match against Manchester United is the first of two encounters within a month, with the teams also scheduled to meet in the FA Cup third round, reigniting memories of the 2005 final.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, acknowledged the challenging draw, saying, “We play at home, it’s going to be a big match again. We want to continue our historical success in this competition, and you have to beat the big teams to win it.”
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