Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has acknowledged that Liverpool’s return to form under new manager Arne Slot has added a significant challenge to the Gunners’ pursuit of the Premier League title. With 28 points from 11 games, Liverpool sits nine points clear of Arsenal, a remarkable start that sets Slot apart as the most successful Liverpool manager in league history over the same period.
Liverpool’s rise comes amid a turbulent start to the season for both Arsenal and Manchester City. Injuries have plagued Mikel Arteta’s squad, while City has struggled in key matches without Rodri. As the Reds build momentum, they now look poised to enter 2024 as strong contenders for the title, reigniting competition at the top of the table.
Despite Arsenal’s slow start, Gilberto, a cornerstone of the 2003/04 Invincibles and a World Cup winner with Brazil, urged fans to remain calm. “The season hasn’t started as we expect them to,” he admitted. “The last few years have been so nice. They’ve done well fighting for the title. And then we expect them to have a great start. But it’s not the end of the world. There’s a lot of games to be played.”
Gilberto highlighted the importance of minimizing mistakes and avoiding what he called “silly points” dropped early in the campaign. “The question is about recovering the points and not losing silly points. Because it’s going to be a tough season again. Not only against City, but Liverpool is back.”
Liverpool’s resurgence is not Arsenal’s only concern. Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, has also had a strong start, sitting third in the table and matching Arsenal’s nine-point deficit to the league leaders. This increasingly competitive landscape demands Arsenal refine their approach, particularly in high-stakes away games where they have faltered in the past.
“In some games, you can’t hold the ball so much,” Gilberto explained, stressing the importance of adapting Arsenal’s tactical approach to grind out results. “It’s just about them focusing on what they have to do for the team to perform. It’s important for everyone to focus on what they have to do in order to win the games and especially kill the game when they have to.”
Gilberto remains optimistic about Arsenal’s ability to bounce back, citing the depth of the season and the opportunities ahead to close the gap. However, he was clear about the challenges posed by a resurgent Liverpool and a competitive Chelsea side, alongside perennial title threats Manchester City.
As Arsenal looks to recover lost ground, their performances in the weeks leading up to the New Year will likely define their title challenge. For Gilberto, the key lies in focus, consistency, and learning to close out games with a ruthless edge—a necessity in a league more competitive than ever.
