Gilberto Silva tells Arsenal what is missing from Premier League title push

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has given his thoughts on Arsenal's Premier League title hopes for this season. The one-time Premier League winner hopes they can recover from their recent run of bad form.

Mikel Arteta's side have only won one game in their last five in all competitions, coming in a 3-0 victory against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup. The Gunners return after the international break sitting fourth in the table - nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Points are a must for Arsenal in the coming weeks if they are to stay in the title race. Silva, who was part of the 2003/04 Invincibles side, spoke to Sky Sports to give his thoughts on where the Premier League title might be heading.

"Obviously you create an expectation that this can be Arsenal's year," the Brazilian said. "That has not been so easy for them. They have lost some important points but have faced some tough opponents. Hopefully they can recover that.

"It's not going to be easy because Liverpool are back. They are in good form with [Arne Slot] and the players are responding so well on the field. Before, people are thinking so much about [Manchester] City. Of course, City are a good team and they are going to be there fighting again."

So far this campaign, Arsenal have come away with 2-2 draws from their fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City. Arteta has also dealt with several injuries and suspensions that have disrupted numerous team selections.

The 48-year-old, who has teased returning to the club as sporting director, still believes that Arsenal just need to give a little bit more to drag themselves back into contention for top spot. He added: "If Arsenal want to win [the league] this year, they need to put even more effort than what they are doing.

"There is, of course, a lot of good work and achievement from Mikel and the players, but to be champions they have to give something extra - more than you normally do. You have all the strategy for the game, the tactics and the technique, and you have to find it on yourself.

"How much do you want it? How much do you want to win? How much are you willing to sacrifice? When you want to win things, everybody needs to make sacrifices. Sometimes you play and not when you are 100%, but you give your 100% for that day.

"You have to have the passion for it, the desire to get the points and to motivate everyone in the dressing room. When you go out to the games, you just give it that push that you sometimes miss in certain games, which is so important."