Arsenal Invincible warns Mikel Arteta and squad of 'crucial mistake' they can't make

Arsenal have been warned not to squander points at home against the Premier League's lesser sides if they finally hope to topple Manchester City.

This is the firm belief of Gilberto Silva, a key player in the legendary Invincibles squad that clinched the trophy two decades ago. Despite Arsenal's absence from the top spot since then, they've been narrowing the gap after years in the wilderness, with Mikel Arteta at the helm pushing City close over the last two seasons.

Last term, City snatched the title by a mere two points, edging out Arsenal who finished five points behind the season prior. Guardiola's side are eyeing a fifth consecutive title and their eighth in nine years.

For Arsenal, this leaves no margin for mistakes, especially as Liverpool seem to be in contention too, making it a potential three-way battle after a solid start under Arne Slot.

"I think that the team today is very mature, structured. When we look at the Arsenal team, the players, the team, the formation, the balance between the sectors is very well defined. It is important to go far," Gilberto expressed to .

"The signings that have been coming in have been important, with results, this also makes the whole job easier. It's not just about hiring, you need to hire athletes who come in and wear the shirt and deliver results for a team like Arsenal.

"It won't be easy, again. It is important to learn from past mistakes. In the last two seasons, they made crucial mistakes against smaller and mid-table teams, especially at home. They have to do this homework very well this season."

Last season, Arsenal boasted an almost flawless record at the Emirates in the Premier League, yet they suffered 2-0 defeats to both West Ham and Aston Villa, while drawing 2-2 with Fulham and Tottenham. Already this season, they've dropped two points in a 1-1 draw against Brighton at home - with these types of slip-ups potentially proving costly come May.

Despite remaining unbeaten through seven matches, Arsenal currently sit in third place, trailing leaders Liverpool by a single point. Former Brazil star Gilberto believes Arsenal will never have a better opportunity than this season, having gained valuable experience from the previous two campaigns.

"They have all the conditions," he stated. "They have been battling with them for two years, right? Somehow, they have managed to edge ahead of Liverpool in this contest. Last year it was incredibly close and perhaps even within the planning they had been doing since Arteta took over. They managed to get ahead of the project, thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone.

"And I believe that now this year, in my view, they need to [achieve something]. I think that perhaps even as a statement of work on the part of the club itself, I see it as a year of achievement. The time has come, right?"