Gallas warns Arsenal: Only PSG can thrive without a striker
As Arsenal continues its quest for a long-awaited Champions League title, former Gunners star William Gallas has issued a stark warning: only Paris Saint-Germain can afford to play without a traditional striker and still thrive in European competition. Under Mikel Arteta, the team boasts a wealth of attacking talent, yet the manager's preference for utilizing Germany international Kai Havertz as a false nine raises questions about their effectiveness in front of goal.
Viktor Gyokeres was brought in for a significant fee in 2025, as Arsenal sought to resolve their ongoing striker dilemma. Despite Gyokeres scoring 21 goals in his debut season, doubts linger about whether he is the solution to the Gunners' No.9 problem. This season, he has started just one Premier League match, while Havertz has been tasked with leading the line. Although Havertz has found the net four times, including in the Community Shield, his overall goal-scoring record remains underwhelming.
The uncertainty surrounding Arsenal's attacking options is compounded by their near-miss in the previous Champions League final, where they suffered heartbreak against PSG in a penalty shootout. Gallas's comments highlight the challenges Arsenal faces in competing for the continent's top prize without a prolific striker. PSG's fluid attacking style, featuring players like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, allows them to interchange positions and create scoring opportunities without a designated central striker. This approach, reminiscent of Barcelona's tactics during Pep Guardiola's tenure, raises the question of whether Arsenal can replicate such success.
Gallas emphasized the necessity for Arteta to secure a reliable number nine to help the team win crucial matches and score vital goals. As the defending Premier League champions, Arsenal currently sit five points clear at the top of the table, but their recent shock defeat to League Two side Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football.
Balancing squad morale amid fixture congestion
With the FA Cup on the horizon and a challenging schedule that includes matches against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, the pressure is on Arteta to find a winning formula. Gallas noted that competing on multiple fronts can help maintain player morale, particularly for those like Gyokeres who are vying for more playing time. However, the early exit from the Carabao Cup could dampen spirits, as players may feel sidelined if they are not regularly featured in the starting lineup.
As the season progresses, maintaining motivation will be crucial for Arsenal's squad. Gallas pointed out that players can become disheartened if they feel excluded from the action, especially during the demanding winter months. Arteta's ability to communicate effectively with his players will be vital in keeping the squad engaged and focused on their goals.
The Final Whistle
As Arsenal prepares to face Newcastle after the international break, the stakes are high. The upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents, including Manchester City and Manchester United, will test their attacking prowess. Gallas's warning serves as a reminder that without a reliable goal-scorer, Arsenal's ambitions of conquering Europe may remain just that—ambitions. The question remains: can they overcome the challenges posed by Europe's elite without a traditional striker leading the charge?
In conclusion, Arsenal's reliance on a false nine could hinder their chances of success in the Champions League. Gallas's insights underscore the importance of having a dedicated striker to navigate the rigors of European competition. As the Gunners aim for their first Champions League title, the pressure is on Arteta to find the right balance in his squad and ensure that they can compete at the highest level. Only time will tell if Arsenal can rise to the occasion and fulfill their European dreams without a traditional striker in their ranks.
