Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are looking to finally topple Manchester City (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta must avoid any slip-ups against mid-table teams if he is to finally guide Arsenal to the Premier League title, according to Gunners legend Gilberto Silva.
After two near-misses, Arsenal have started the new Premier League season in impressive fashion, with five wins and two draws from their opening seven games.
The Gunners sit one point behind early leaders Liverpool having already navigated tricky away fixtures against Manchester City and Tottenham.
However, in previous seasons, it has not been defeats to title rivals that have cost Arsenal but rather their tendency to drop points against sides further down the table.
Two seasons ago, the wheels fell of Arsenal’s title charge down the closing strech after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Southampton followed by consecutive defeats to Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
And last season, Arteta’s side were uncharacteristically beaten by West Ham and Fulham over the Christmas period to lose vital ground on Pep Guardiola’s City.
An impressive comeback win against Southampton last weekend was evidence of Arsenal’s improved resilience when falling behind unexpectedly, but former title winner Silva believes Arteta must still work hard to avoid any slip-ups this campaign.
Gilberto Silva won the Premier League with Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
‘I think that the team today is very mature, structured, the Brazillian told MyBettingSites.co.uk.
‘When we look at the Arsenal team, the players, the team, the formation, the balance between the sectors is very well defined. It is important to go far.
‘The signings that have been coming in have been important, with results, this also makes the whole job easier.
‘It’s not just about hiring, you need to hire athletes who come in and wear the shirt and deliver results for a team like Arsenal.
‘It won’t be easy, again. It is important to learn from past mistakes. In the last two seasons, they made crucial mistakes against smaller and mid-table teams, especially at home. They have to do this homework very well this season.’
Arsenal are one point behind Liverpool (Picture: Getty)
Despite that, Silva remains hugely positive about the job Arteta is doing and said time spent with the Spaniard on Arsenal’s pre-season tour in America left him certain that he will bring silverware to the club.
‘He arrived with some suspicion, but it has worked out very well so far. He is young, but the gamble paid off,’ he added.
‘He has the confidence that the management has given him to play his role. He has grown year after year and the media and fans already respect him.
‘He is competing and beating giants, managing to raise the level of the game. He has a lot of merit in what Arsenal has been doing. Inevitably, an achievement will happen to value everything that has been done.”
‘We were together recently during Arsenal’s pre-season in the United States. He is very serious, works hard and is focused. He is also humble enough to learn and listen to people.
‘He has managed to put together a team of people who help each other on a daily basis and build this entire process of growth for Arsenal.’
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