Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has claimed that the Gunners have the best defence in the Premier League.
Last season, they conceded the fewest goals of any team in the division letting in just 29, with title winners Manchester City close behind on 34.
The partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel in central defence was one of the reasons why the Gunners were so close to pipping City to the title last year, Gallas believes it will be pivotal again.
Speaking to Genting Casino, the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender said: “Arsenal had the best defence in the Premier League last season. Do I think they have the best defence in the league? I think they might do.
“Obviously, Manchester City have a lot of quality, but last season, Arsenal were better defensively.”
Gallas was also quick to praise Mikel Arteta’s signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Califiori who Arsenal signed for £42m. He added: “I like the signing of Riccardo Calafiori. He’s a versatile player that can play at left back and at centre back. Arsenal will be playing lots of games and there will be times where you need to rotate, so I expect to see Calafiori coming into the team and playing both roles this season.”
Can Arsenal’s defence help them to the title?
Gallas’ high praise for the Gunners’ defence raises the question of whether it can help them towards a Premier League title over Manchester City this year.
Over the past four seasons, the league winners have conceded the least goals on three of the four occasions – it was only last season that the champions didn’t have the best defensive record.
This bodes well for Arsenal as if they are to be the best defensively again, it would seem unlikely that they lose the title for a second year running.
However, in the same time frame, the league winners have always scored the most goals. The Gunners netted five fewer goals than City last season, a number they would like to change.
Arsenal on the hunt for goals
Mikel Arteta has identified the striker position as needing some work if they are to beat City to the title. Arsenal have been linked with several strikers including Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite this, they are yet to add a new goalscorer and as the season is almost upon us, Mikel Arteta will be keen to get a deal over the line before the end of August.
