William Gallas Warns Arsenal on Champions League Challenge Without a Traditional Striker
Arsenal continue their quest for a first-ever Champions League title, but former player William Gallas has shared his view with GOAL that “only Paris Saint-Germain can succeed in Europe without a striker.” Despite having attacking options, manager Mikel Arteta favors using Germany’s Kai Havertz as a false nine rather than deploying a classic centre-forward.
Arsenal's Striker Situation and Recent Signings
In 2025, Arsenal spent heavily to bring in Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres, aiming to solve their striking issues at the Emirates Stadium. Gyokeres netted 21 goals across all competitions in his debut season, yet doubts linger about whether he is the answer to Arsenal’s No.9 challenge.
This season, Gyokeres has only started once in the Premier League, with Havertz leading the line more regularly. Although Havertz has scored four times, including his opening goal in the Community Shield, he is not proving to be a consistent scorer in front of goal.
Champions League Final Heartbreak and PSG’s Fluid Attack
Arsenal came close to European glory last season but fell short after a penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the 2026 Champions League final. PSG’s success often comes from a fluid front line, where players like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia interchange positions without a fixed central striker. This approach mirrors tactics famously used by Barcelona during Pep Guardiola’s era.
“I think it’s only PSG who can play without a striker. They’re the only team that can still win games and win the Champions League without a striker,” said Gallas. “Luis Enrique has played without a real number nine for many years and conducts that system perfectly.For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, I think he really needs that number nine who can help him win important games and score crucial goals, and right now, it looks like they don’t have that number nine.”
Rotation Challenges and Maintaining Player Morale
Defending champions Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by five points, despite a surprising Carabao Cup exit against League Two side Fleetwood. They also remain unbeaten in their initial four European fixtures, preparing for tough clashes against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
Gallas discussed how competing in multiple tournaments offers chances to rotate the squad, keeping players engaged. Yet, Arsenal's early exit from the Carabao Cup removes one such opportunity.
“The Carabao Cup can be good for making players feel part of the project, especially early in the season when everyone is excited to fight for their spot,” Gallas explained.“But if you’re training hard and not starting or even making the weekend squad, your motivation can drop, especially through November to January. Players can struggle mentally when they know they likely won’t play, which makes it tough.”“That’s why players have to be strong, and Mikel Arteta knows how to communicate to keep them motivated throughout the season.”
Upcoming Fixtures Test Arsenal’s Scoring Depth
After the next international break, Arsenal face a demanding schedule beginning with a trip to Newcastle on November 21. Before 2027 arrives, they will meet Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Tottenham, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
Scoring goals will be vital for Arsenal to navigate this tough run without significant damage to their title ambitions.
- Next Matches
- Ligue 1: PSG vs Newcastle United, 21 Nov 2026, 18:15
- Premier League: Newcastle United vs Arsenal, 21 Nov 2026, 19:30
