Arsenal’s Premier League credentials will be sorely tested unless they can find a way to grind out wins like Manchester City and Liverpool, claims ex-defender William Gallas.
The Gunners made a comfortable start to the new campaign with wins against both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, helping to set the early season pace.
But a 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion after they were reduced to 10 men following Declan Rice’s red card dismissal, saw them stumble next to their rivals.
Now Gallas, who spent four seasons with the Gunners following his move from Chelsea in 2006, is worried that such results will derail their attempt to end a top-flight drought.
“From what I’ve seen so far, I fear for Arsenal in the title race,” Gallas told Gambling Zone.
“I fear for Arsenal because, even though they went down to 10 men against Brighton, you have to win those games and they couldn’t get over the line.
“Even when you have 10 men, if you want to win the Premier League, you have to find a way to get three points.
“If we see how Liverpool played against Manchester United, they look so strong.
“Manchester City with Erling Haaland [are] in top form too. It looks like it’s going to be very difficult for Arsenal.”
The North London side struggled after England international Rice, who joined from West Ham last season, saw a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.
Gallas believes that it was a harsh decision, but nevertheless thinks Arsenal still should have shown enough composure to secure all three points.
“The red card for Declan Rice was a confusing one,” he added. “He didn’t deserve the second yellow card and red card.
“[But] Arsenal should’ve had enough to win the game without him. Brighton are a good side, but when you’re trying to win the title you have to beat them at home.
“Football is simple and if you want to reach the level of Manchester City, you have to win these games.”
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