Arsenal icon Sylvain Wiltord has detailed what the current squad need to do if they are to end up as champions this season.
The Gunners currently sit top of the table and three points ahead of Manchester City in second after 21 games of the season.
It’s been an impressive campaign for them so far but a recent stumble, including a defeat to Everton and the weekend’s draw with Brentford, have brought up doubts about their chances of lasting the course.
The recent falter has also coincided with Manchester City’s apparent return to form, with them beating Aston Villa over the weekend to bring the gap between the two sides closer.
Arsenal and Manchester City now face each other at the Emirates tomorrow in a game that could play a huge role in where the title ends up this season.
Wiltord, who won two titles with Arsenal in 2001/02 and 2003/04, hopes that doesn’t happen and has advice for the current squad to ensure it doesn’t.
“Even Manchester City are losing more games this season than in the recent past. And Arsenal are simply making a good impression,” he told Soccer News.
“The team plays very compact and disciplined. And when they fall behind, they don’t panic but remain patient. That is another step in the ‘maturation process’.
“In addition, the defence is stable, and few big chances are given away. I don’t feel this team will collapse any time soon.
“If Arteta’s players keep their composure and continue to play full of fun and passion, Arsenal will remain successful and I consider the team capable of defending the lead. Most importantly, they will not let themselves be influenced by outside pressure. If they listen, Arsenal will be champions!”
Arsenal’s success so far this season has been built on numerous impressive individual performances, particularly up front.
The likes of Eddie Nketiah, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have all shone at different points this season, as did striker Gabriel Jesus before his injury at the World Cup.
It is Odegaard and Martinelli who Wiltord has been most impressed by, though, singling them out for praise.
“He really is a revelation,” he said on the Brazilian.
“I think he is only going to confirm and become a very important player for the club. He is one of the Arsenal players who have real potential and who we will lean on in the coming years.
“In the future he is undoubtedly going to play a key role and next season, when we are likely to play Champions League football again, he can gain even more experience.”
“He is also having an excellent season,” he added on Odegaard.
“His game intelligence, overview and technical skills are taking The Gunners to a new level. He is much more consistent than before and is on the right track.”
