Arsenal Looks to Challenge this Season

William Gallas says Arsenal must fight if they want to improve upon last year’s fourth place finish and compete with Manchester United and Chelsea. "In the past we have relied too much on lovely football to see us through," Gallas said, "But we have learned from last season. Sometimes you have to fight to achieve success. Some people have claimed this club is on a downward spiral. But there is an enormous determination to put things right. Last season we were behind the leaders too early. We can't let that happen again.”

One player that wants to help is midfielder Cesc Fabregas who definitely knows never to give up. Fabregas has been superb for Arsenal and even though Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona may have hurt, it has given Fabregas the chance to shine. Real Madrid wanted Fabregas but he chose to stay with Arsenal.

Many people believe that Arsenal can’t compete with United, Chelsea and even Liverpool but Fabregas is not one of them. Former player Freddie Ljungberg believes that Arsenal can’t compete because they have lost so many players but Fabregas believes otherwise saying, "While I respect the opinions of Henry and Ljungberg, I believe this team can fight for the title."

"What I say is not madness. We got to the Champions League final in 2006, often playing without players like Henry, Ljungberg and Ashley Cole."

Fabregas definitely wants to win and oftentimes displays a little bit too much emotion. "I have matured very much over the last two years and I am prepared to be the leader of the team. Maybe then people won't ask me any more about becoming the next Patrick Vieira.”

"I would love to captain Arsenal. It is a matter of enormous pride to me because the fans are always with me and that support is very valuable. I know how the fans suffer when we lose,” Fabregas said.

Arsenal is definitely a longshot to win the Premier League this season. Manchester United and Chelsea are the two overwhelming favorites and Arsenal has their work cut out for them to compete for the Championship this season.

SBG Global Betting Odds to WIN the English Premier League

251 CHELSEA FC +150
252 MANCHESTER UNITED +150
253 LIVERPOOL FC +450
254 ARSENAL FC +550
255 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR +1000
256 NEWCASTLE UNITED +1500
257 EVERTON FC +2500
258 ASTON VILLA +3500
259 BOLTON WANDERES +5000
260 BLACKBURN ROVERS +7500
261 WESTHAM UNITED +10000
262 PORTSMOUTH FC +12500
263 MIDDLESBROUGH FC +15000
264 SUNDERLAND AFC +17500
265 MANCESTER CITY +20000
266 READING FC +20000
267 FULHAM FC +20000
268 BIRMINGHAM CITY +25000
269 WIGAN ATHLETIC +25000
270 DERBY COUNT +25000