Arsenal Legend Explains Why Gunners Need to Learn How to Beat Physically Dominating Teams
Gilberto Silva has expressed his concern that Arsenal's inability to compete with more physically dominating teams could prevent them from challenging from the Premier League title.
The ex-Gunners star, who was part of Arsene Wenger's famous 'Invincibles' team of the 2003/04 season, stated his belief that the north Londoners have not done enough to combat their weakness at dealing with sides that will rough them up.
Gilberto Silva, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, explained how the change in Arsenal's playing style begun to change in his final seasons with the club and why Wenger needs to rectify their lack of physicality across the park.
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He said: “It is not a new thing that Arsenal find physical games like Stoke difficult. In my last two seasons at the club, the stature of the players at Arsenal changed while other teams like Stoke kept the same mentality; they are strong and physical, but with less technical ability than the Arsenal players.
"However, it shouldn’t matter if you are physically weaker, it is about how you play your game and technical ability. But the Arsenal players need to learn to battle against physical teams too.”
The former Brazil international, who used to dominate the midfield areas for both club and country, also revealed that Wenger was in dire need of adding reinforcements to both defence and midfield if he harboured hopes of mounting a successful title challenge.
Wenger has only added Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac to his senior ranks this summer and, with the departure of Gabriel to Villarreal leaving a big hole in his defensive options, Silva wants his former boss to be busy in the market before the window shuts in just over a week's time.
He added: “The season has barely started so are yet to see if something is lacking from the side, if they are strong enough or need new additions. This is always the big question.
"Gabriel has now gone so it would be nice to bring in a new central defender and maybe a new centre midfielder too. That is up to the manager, but of course he has to act quickly because the window closes in a few days.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Gilberto Silva, including his thoughts on what the future holds for Jack Wilshere.
