Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas believes the Gunners still lack the mental “edge” to get themselves over the line in the title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side were the better team for most of the game despite losing to Liverpool last time out, but as reported by Essential Football Gallas says that, while they possess the players required to win the league, there is an absence of character and leadership that could prove seriously detrimental to their chances:
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“With the players they’ve got, they can score at any time. But after what I saw against Liverpool, I think they still lack a little something. I think that is going to be a problem this season, especially with their supporters. They have a complete squad now, and there are no excuses left. Arteta added the striker, they’ve got great midfielders and defenders. They’ve got everything they need to become champions…”
“Against Liverpool, they were still lacking something. I think they’re missing that anger, that edge. I think they don’t have the energy. There wasn’t a player who stepped up to try to lift the team.”
“There weren’t players who were looking to talk on the pitch or encourage the players around them. I didn’t see anyone doing that, and that’s part of what they need. I didn’t see anyone in the Arsenal shirt that really wanted it (to win).”
Arsenal need to be more ruthless
Some still feel that manager Mikel Arteta is playing with the handbrake on, especially in away fixtures against the “Big Six”. Liverpool have looked vulnerable in the opening weeks of the season but the Gunners barely tested Alisson despite dominating the ball.
It is up to players like captain Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka (when he returns to fitness) to take these matches by the scruff of the neck and find ways to win them.
The next 3 Premier League fixtures are massive
After facing Nottingham Forest at home this weekend, they will play Manchester City before travelling to St James’ Park at the end of the month to take on Newcastle.
Following the loss to Liverpool, they need to get at least 7 points from these fixtures. One or more defeats so early on in the campaign would raise serious doubts about the club’s title credentials.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here