Arsenal cult hero Jeremie Aliadiere believes injuries to four of the Gunners’ key attackers have dented their title hopes ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
The north London giants will go into the contest 7-1 up from the first leg, with their place in the quarter-finals of the competition already all but secure.
However, while they’re flying in Europe, their hopes of Premier League title glory currently lie in tatters.
The Gunners are currently 15 points behind Liverpool at the summit in the wake of their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta is currently preparing for tonight’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven
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Aliadiere, who was part of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ side that won the league back in 2004, has blamed injuries for his former side’s inconsistent form.
And he believes Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli’s absences have all been factors.
“Naturally losing the four strikers in Martinelli, Saka, Havertz and Jesus are a massive blow to the title chances,” he exclusively told GB News, via Betting Tools.
“Losing these players at a key time of the season is a big blow to Arsenal’s title hopes. Injuries to other players during the season have also not helped.
“Liverpool have been super consistent, so credit to them. But Arsenal can finish the season well and go again next year.”
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On Sunday, Mikel Arteta stormed out of an interview with Sky Sports.
The Gunners boss was left angry after being asked whether or not Arsenal regret not signing a striker in January.
Aliadiere admits a new centre-forward is needed in the capital, with Alexander Isak tipped to be pursued.
“I expect Arsenal to buy at least one attacking player and for me Isak would be No 1 choice. He would be perfect for the way Arsenal play,” he continued.
“He is such a top striker and can make such good runs behind the opposing defence. So Isak can really help the transitions who is really quick as a No 9.
Arsenal are having to cope without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as they prepare to do battle with PSV in the Champions League
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“I hope he can bring Arsenal success if he joins. I also like [Ollie] Watkins as well who is proven in the Premier League so can also settle in well.”
While Arsenal’s form has been patchy, their young players have really stepped up.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Newaneri have both emerged as key individuals who can benefit Arsenal for many years to come.
On Arsenal’s youngsters, their former striker added: “It’s one of the best [academies] yes.
“You look at Saka, Nwaneri, Lewis Skelly, plus [Emile] Smith Rowe and [Reiss] Nelson (who have left).
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“Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have come through this year and been super composed, confident and not been phased by Premier League and Champions League.
“Both have excelled so far and can have a brilliant career at Arsenal.”
Finally, this year will mark 21 years since Arsenal won the league without losing a single match.
It is an achievement that no team has ever been able to emulate in the years since.
And Aliadiere looks back on that time, understandably, with great fondness.
Arsenal news: Jeremie Aliadiere looks back on his time in the 2004 Invincibles side with great fondness
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“It’s a huge achievement,” he said.
“Not losing a game throughout the season shows a huge consistency and our squad was so motivated each game with a strong mentality not to give anything away.
“It does rank as one of the best Premier League sides of all time for sure. We had such quality throughout the squad.
“[Jens] Lehmann, [Sol] Campbell, [Patrick] Vieira and [Thierry] Henry. The spine was incredible.
“So many other players had strength with [Kolo] Toure, Lauren, [Ashley] Cole, Gilberto [Silva], plus Dennis [Bergkamp] as well.”