Sol Campbell fears Arsenal have lost their ‘bite’ after toothless start to the season

Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Tom Doyle22 August 2021

Sol Campbell believes Mikel Arteta will be given time to turn things around at Arsenal, but says the manager must restore the Gunners’ “bite” after a toothless start to the season.

Arsenal have lost their opening two games of the Premier League campaign to London rivals, falling 2-0 at Brentford on the opening day before a meek 2-0 home loss to Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.

Chelsea’s club-record £97.5million signing Romelu Lukaku bullied Arteta’s weakened Arsenal side, who were missing £50m arrival Ben White due to Covid-19.

Arteta’s squad has been badly affected by the virus: White, Willian and Alexandre Lacazette were absent while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was only fit enough to feature off the bench, with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Thomas Partey, Hector Bellerin and Eddie Nketiah injured in what the coach branded an “unprecedented” situation.

Arsenal players were greeted by boos from the home fans at both half-time and the final whistle on Sunday, and Campbell - won two League titles during his five years with the Gunners - admitted it looked like his old side had lost the characteristics that made them so feared during their heyday.

"Even when the players do come back in, it seems to be the same situation," the former centre-back said in his role as a Sky Sports pundit.

"I don't want to say... has the bite gone out of Arsenal? I hope not!

“I hope there is more steel in there because I like to see that.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“Arsenal was built on that type of football, skilful and strong. I want to see more of that and more character.

"With Arteta, they have been chasing him for a long, long time.

“I think they will look at it and say let's see what this guy can do, but there is always a time limit."

Additional reporting by PA.

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