As Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions grow, one of the club’s most influential former players, Gilberto Silva, has weighed in with his thoughts on what might be missing from the Gunners' pursuit of the league crown. The Brazilian midfielder, who was a key part of Arsenal’s unbeaten "Invincibles" team in 2003-04, knows what it takes to win the Premier League, and his insights could prove invaluable as Mikel Arteta's side continues their title challenge.
Gilberto believes that while Arsenal has made significant strides under Arteta, the team is still lacking the consistency and mentality of champions, something he experienced firsthand during his time in north London. His main concern is that Arsenal's squad, although talented and capable, may not yet have the mental fortitude to cope with the pressure of a title race.
"To win the Premier League, you need not only quality but also experience," Gilberto stated. "You need players who understand what it takes to grind out results over a long season, who can perform in the toughest moments, especially when the pressure is on." This, according to Gilberto, is an area where Arsenal still needs to improve if they are to truly challenge for the title.
While players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli have shown great promise, the lack of a true leader with a wealth of experience in the final stages of a title push might be a concern. Gilberto highlighted the importance of having a player who has been through the battles of a long, hard season and can keep the team grounded when the stakes are at their highest.
In addition to leadership, Gilberto emphasized the importance of squad depth. Although Arteta’s starting XI has been strong, Arsenal’s ability to rotate effectively and maintain high performance levels throughout the campaign is crucial. In the grueling winter months, injuries and fatigue can take their toll, and Arsenal will need strength in depth to compete with the likes of Manchester City, who boast one of the deepest squads in Europe.
Gilberto's comments are a reminder that while Arsenal has made significant progress under Arteta, the club is still in a phase of rebuilding. The title may be within reach, but consistency, experience, and depth will be key in turning their aspirations into reality.
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