Arsenal will win Premier League – if they stay fit, says Campbell

The former Gunners defender believes the current side are hindered by physical issues more than mental ones and is confident in their strength to enjoy a successful campaign

Sol Campbell believes Arsenal can go on to have a successful season – if they manage to keep their players fit.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been constantly undermined by fitness issues over the years, with the current crop being hindered by injuries to Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla, who have all missed recent matches.

That the Gunners have not won a Premier League title since 2004 has seen them accused of lacking the mental strength required to challenge at the top level, but ex-Arsenal centre-back Campbell believes that is not the case.

“It’s not mentality, it’s just injuries,” he told 888sport. “That’s what has hurt them all these years – key injuries to key players in key moments. Not just a few games, out for six months. If they can keep a fit team they can go all the way this season.

“The fans are desperate to win not just an FA Cup but to go all the way in the league; they want to be going until the last week of the season. They need that and they’re craving for it but so are four or five other clubs.

“Every team has got something in their own way. Manchester City at the beginning blew teams away before stuttering a bit. Tottenham have been steady. Arsenal started out blasting then scraped a couple of results so they are there. Liverpool have been industrious and street-like and then you have Chelsea with a new system that Conte seems happy with. They look slick. Manchester United are trying to be involved but something is not there, something isn’t right.”

Former England international Campbell is also pleased to see Alexis Sanchez feature up front in recent weeks, with the Chilean attacker scoring eight goals in 14 appearances, while Olivier Giroud has made just one start in all competitions this term – Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Ludogorets.

“Maybe Arsene doesn’t want an out-and-out centre forward this year,” he said. “Maybe that’s the key and he wants to mix things up, to have players in the groove.

“While you’re banging in the goals why go to systems? Sometimes it needs someone to look at these guys and allow them to be free and see how long it goes. If it doesn’t go the whole season then there is always Giroud to come in and change the dynamic.

“You can be too structured sometimes and it’s better to go with the flow.

“However, if Giroud keeps scoring – he’ll be saying: ’You have to start me.’ Or rather he won’t have to knock at the door, by keep making an impact and being solid all the way through that will change people’s perceptions within the club’s football hierarchy. He needs to force his way in there. For Arsene this is what he needs. Competition breeds success.”

Crucial to Arsenal’s hopes, according to Campbell, is the central defensive partnership of Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny, and he is looking forward to them coming up against their fierce rivals and another of his former sides, Tottenham, in Sunday’s derby match.

“I like the mentality between Mustafi and Koscielny. They have the right guys in there now who have the willingness to defend and that is key. They’re mobile but calm; they can pass the ball around the back or pick the right ball or find row Z if needed. There is a nice balance between those guys.

“Arsenal will be geared up for Spurs’ pressing because you cannot do that relentlessly all of the time, only five or 10 minute spells. They will be concentrating on how to get past the second press and that’s where you open them up. That’s why the last 20 minutes will be key because a side that has pressed will have spent up a lot of their energy.  You have to get used to that frequency and be savvy, especially on a big pitch. Go between the lines.

“Spurs have lots of mid-career stream guys with lots of energy who show and have desire. Arsenal are more measured and what I have noticed is their defence no longer goes into a trance due to the slow build-up in midfield. They now stay alert.

“Spurs are more frenetic and decisive whereas Arsenal are methodical and more sophisticated. They will look for the right moments.”