Having spent a number of years at Arsenal during his playing career, William Gallas knows what the pressure of wearing the Gunners shirt is like.
He knows there are ups and downs, and has continued to follow his former team as a pundit on various TV channels, analysing the game from a studio.
That’s why, when he sat down with Gentside, he was asked about Arsenal and their success story under Mikel Arteta, which sees them currently top the Premier League table heading into Christmas.
One of the questions was about the progression the club have undergone with the Spaniard in charge, who saved them from the depths of mediocrity to a title challenging side.
He said: “What he brought to Arsenal is the desire to win games. The team plays like soldiers. When they don’t play well, they always need one or two extra players to motivate the others.”
One player at Arsenal Gallas picked out as a standout was none other than Martin Ødegaard, who has come leaps and bounds under Arteta, and is now one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, fulfilling his potential.
He added: “When you have a player like Martin Ødegaard, who, for me, is a maestro midfielder and a player who can change games, it’s easier. Against Brighton, he was amazing to watch. He was incredible. I just want him to be more consistent. If he is until the end of the season, the team will cause problems to their opponents in big games. Arttta has brought this desire to the group. Players are fighting for each other.”
Arsenal currently are first after 17 games, one point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, having won 12, drawn three and lost the remaining two.
