Arsenal need to sign a leader if they are to challenge for major honours this season, according to Chris Sutton.

The Gunners have made two summer signings so far, in Sead Kolašinac and Alexandre Lacazette, but Chris Sutton thinks Arsenal are still missing leaders if they really want to challenge for the title.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live via The Sport Review: “Arsenal haven’t recruited that strong leader that they need. Arsenal are behind other clubs. They’re good but they’re not that good.”

 

The line about leaders is one that’s brought out by every pundit at this stage every year. While in the past it may have been true, it’s difficult to justify continuing to argue that Arsenal don’t have any leaders.

Petr Čech, who won league titles and European honours at Chelsea, has plenty of experience and commands respect from his Arsenal teammates.

Same for German World Cup winner Per Mertesacker, who is preparing to become head of the Arsenal academy, a clear show of faith in his leadership capabilities.

More recent signings Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolašinac have both shown passion and fight on the pitch too.

It’s the usual lazy analysis that fans have grown to expect, the same clichés we’ve all heard before. The best way to put it to bed, however, can only ever be on the pitch.

Hopefully the players use this sort of talk to spur them on this season.