Grey clouds were circling Emirates Stadium last week,
but victory over Manchester United has allowed Arsenal captain
William Gallas to set his sights on the title.
The Gunners came in for severe criticism after bad results
against Tottenham and Stoke, but victory over United has put Arsene
Wenger’s side back on track.
Gallas, a title winner with Chelsea, has yet to claim a trophy
with Arsenal, but is determined to mount a series title challenge
this time around.
"I want to win The Premier League with Arsenal, and it was very
important for us to win this game," he said.
"It was important because after a few games the atmosphere was
not good in the dressing room, after we drew and lost.
"The pressure was on our shoulders, and we wanted to show
everyone our ambition. We are very proud of ourselves."
The Frenchman revealed the dressing-room spirit was low after
The Gunners failed to win in their previous three games.
But the defender admits a pre-match team-talk restored the
confidence that had been shattered during the previous
week.
"We showed we have good character," Gallas added.
"It was not easy for us before the game. We spoke a lot - the
night before the game we spoke together - and in the end it was a
good day."
Gallas had been forced to shoulder a lot of the blame that came
Arsenal’s way following their disappointing 4-4 draw against
Tottenham – with many suggesting he lacked the leadership
qualities to be captain.
But boss Wenger insists the era of the traditional captain
is over and teams no longer need a cajoling character to lead
them.
"I don't agree any more when people say you need a leader on the
football pitch," he said.
"Football has evolved and is so quick nowadays that you need
shared leadership on the pitch - you need about five or six.
"The time when a centre-back can talk is over - it's too quick.
We had 11 leaders on our side, because everyone took initiative at
the right moment."