Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has questioned the Gunners' mentality and character. After falling short last season, the expectations are higher for Mikel Arteta's team this season.
The North Londoners led the league for most of the 2022/23 campaign before a late-season collapse saw them fall short to Manchester City. Gallas was part of several Arsenal sides that pushed for the league title in the late 2000s, and he was a part of Chelsea's league-winning sides in 2005 and 2006. Therefore, his experience of both sides of a title race makes him a good judge of character.
Speaking to LordPing, Gallas offered his opinion on the current Arsenal team.
"Arsenal are capable of winning important games, such as the one against Man City, but we expect them to drop points, and we don't know why," Gallas said.
"The Newcastle game was what it was. We all know how tough it is to play against Newcastle, but Arsenal had to leave with the three points."
Arsenal arguably did lose their heads in a cauldron-like atmosphere up at Newcastle, and Gallas sees that game as an indication of Arsenal's lack of character.
"Arsenal have a good squad, but they need that player who will drag them out of tough situations. They don't have that player at the moment," Gallas concluded.