William Gallas has caused a stir by naming Arsenal as his Premier League “flops of the season,” despite the club’s progress in the Champions League. The former Arsenal captain ignored the struggles of Manchester United and Tottenham to focus on Mikel Arteta’s side, who have failed to meet expectations in the league this season.
While United and Spurs have had their own difficulties, with both clubs dangerously close to the relegation zone, Arsenal’s performance in the Premier League has been especially disappointing. Gallas believes Arsenal’s struggles in domestic competitions are far worse, considering the high-quality performances they delivered last season.
“I’m sorry, I’m still disappointed in them,” Gallas told Prime Casino. “If you compare last season and the one from two years ago with this season, their performance has not been good at all. In the Premier League, Arsenal are my flops of the season!”
Arsenal had a strong start to the season and seemed poised to challenge for the title, but they failed to keep up with runaway leaders Liverpool and couldn’t capitalize on Manchester City and Chelsea’s misfortunes. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals has made their trophy hopes slimmer, adding to the frustration for Gallas.
“I’m angry about what happened in the league. I’m furious even,” he said. “I can’t accept one level of performance in the Champions League and a different level of performance in the Premier League from this group of players.”
Gallas, who had tipped Arsenal for the title in August, is particularly upset about the club’s inconsistency, believing they squandered a golden opportunity to win the Premier League this season.
“Yes, you can say that they had some injury problems, but I don’t like excuses,” Gallas added. “You have to show up in every game if you want to become champions.”