Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas has questioned the winning mentality of the current Gunners squad. 

Speaking to the Gambling Zone, Gallas said that, while Mikel Arteta’s side are likely to challenge for the Premier League title once again this campaign, he fears a repeat of last season when the club missed out on top spot:

“I’m sure Arsenal will get very close to winning the title this season, but I don’t think they be crowned champions in May. I think Arsenal are missing the character and the personality to become champions – these are the qualities that they needed to show at the end of last season, and they couldn’t.”

“I want to see Arsenal adapt a soldier mentality this season. I want to see players that are ready to communicate a lot in the pitch – demanding more of each other. I want to see experienced players taking responsibility when things are not going well on the pitch for Arsenal. I still think that Arsenal are missing this type of win-at-all-costs mentality and that is why I don’t think they will win the title this season.”

Arsenal showed character to win the Community Shield

While Gallas seems to believe that Arteta’s men currently lack what’s required to go all the way in the Premier League, they certainly showed their fighting spirit at the weekend.

Scoring a last-gasp equaliser and winning on penalties needed a lot of belief and character. Of course, it may only be the Community Shield but, as Aaron Ramsdale said after the game, it could help lift the “mental block” that saw the Gunners lose three times to eventual champions Manchester City last campaign.

If Arsenal do end up in another title race at the back end of the season once again, the squad will be hoping to prove Gallas wrong.