Arsenal have a ‘better chance’ of winning the Premier League than Tottenham, says William Gallas, who thinks Antonio Conte’s football is ‘not nice to watch’ – but the former Gunner and Spurs defender cannot not pick a north london derby winner

William Gallas thinks Arsenal have a better chance of winning the Premier League than ‘not good looking’ Tottenham.

Gallas, who played for both sides with Chelsea during a long career in England, was speaking ahead of the first North London derby of the season.

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Table players Arsenal take on Spurs at the Emirates Stadium, live on talkSPORT, with Antonio Conte’s side just a point behind.

Last season Spurs won the fight for the top four and Champions League football but Mikel Arteta’s men fought back after winning all but one of their games this season.

Finishing fifth in 2021/22 ended the Gunners’ brief hiatus from European football, returning to the Europa League this season, and former captain Gallas believes it could be vital.

In an interview with Genting Casino: “I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to compete for the title than Tottenham because this season they are not playing in the Champions League.

“I think they have to focus on the title. I don’t know what their goal is, but whether it’s the top four or to win the title, I hope Arteta said to his players: ‘this season , we have a good opportunity to fight for the title, so let’s do it”.

“I think it would be a great message if he said that because it can boost the players. So I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to fight for the title.

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In Arsenal’s first big test of the season, they lost 3-1 away to Manchester United, which are their only points drop so far this campaign.

A home clash against Spurs represents a chance for redemption and a chance to silence doubters, but Gallas, who has played for both clubs, cannot pick a winner.

“For me it’s 50/50 at the moment even though Arsenal are top of the league and have started the season very well,” he said.

“They failed at Old Trafford, but they are still top of the table. Tottenham are in a good position, even though they haven’t played the best football, they are still getting good results.

“They play Italian football, it’s not very nice to watch but I think it’s very difficult to play against Tottenham.

“They are very compact, and they like to play on the counter-attack, and with players like [Harry] Kane, Richarlison and now you have [Heung-min] Son, who opened his account for the season, so I think for this game I’m going to go for a 50/50.

“But Arsenal play at home, and normally when you play at home you have to win, especially in a big derby like this. Your fans will be with you, so it will boost them a bit more, so for me Arsenal have to win. the game, but Tottenham are good at the moment so it won’t be easy.

“Arsenal have improved a lot, if you look at the start of their season, they have won almost every game, they are playing good football and the players are doing what Arteta asks.

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“But against Manchester United it was their first big test against a big club and unfortunately they failed. That’s why to me it seems like Arsenal always have the same problems against big clubs and Tottenham will be another big one. club to play against.

“They [Arsenal] have improved a lot, they know each other very well and they play fantastic football.

“Sometimes I think they need to have more experienced players on the pitch and speak up when they’re going through a tough time. Those players need to talk to other players to guide them.

“For example against Manchester United, I didn’t like when they conceded those goals, especially the last one, 75 minutes, you can’t concede that. That’s why when you have experienced players, you can do anything. immediately talk to them and explain to them, “guys, we have to calm down, don’t panic, we still have time to come back”.

“So against Tottenham you never know what can happen, but you really need those players who can talk to other players.”