“The problem is always the same” - Former Arsenal star William Gallas warns Gunners of major concern that could cost them the Premier League title

Former Arsenal star William Gallas believes the Gunners will not win the Premier League title if they keep slipping up against the smaller teams. Last Saturday (October 19), the north Londoners suffered a 0-2 loss to Bournemouth, which has put them four points behind leaders Liverpool.

Now Mikel Arteta and company will host the Reds at the Emirates on Sunday (October 27) with Saliba suspended. Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka remain uncertain to feature as they continue to recover from injury.

Addressing the Gunners' issues, Gallas told Prime Casino (via Mirror):

"Listen, the problem with Arsenal is always the same and it looks like it won't change. If they play against big teams, every player will be 100 per cent. But if they play against small teams, some players are not 100 per cent. It’s difficult for me to understand this, but it's true."

“If you want to win the title, you’ve got to beat the small teams in the league home and away. If you draw, it’s the same feeling as a loss because you know how good Manchester City are. They need to understand that they can’t drop points like this if they want to be champions this season."

He added:

"You can’t blame the defeat (at Bournemouth) on Saka or Odegaard not being available. Those are excuses that I don’t want to hear because Arsenal have a big squad. When Manchester City lose a couple of key players, do they drop points? You don't see any difference.”

The Gunners came close to winning the title last season but lost out by two points to Manchester City on the final day.

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Arsenal face another injury worry ahead of Liverpool meeting

Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal fans may be sweating over the fitness of defender Riccardo Calafiori, who came off in their latest Champions League 1-0 win on Tuesday (October 22). The Italian started the tie against Shakhtar Donetsk but was taken off in the 72nd minute. Calafiori seemingly slipped on the turf and twisted his knee, forcing manager Mikel Arteta into making the substitution.

Providing an update on the player's situation, the Spaniard said after the match (via This is Anfield):

"He had to come off because he felt something. I don’t know the extent of it, so in that sense not great news.”

The 22-year-old has become a regular starter at left-back in recent weeks for the Gunners. Overall, he's made 10 appearances across all competitions this campaign, bagging a goal.