Monday 5 October 2015 13:24, UK
Alan Smith doesn't think Arsenal have to win the Premier League this season but believes they can challenge for it if they can become more consistent and eradicate their defensive problems.
Arsene Wenger's side signalled their intentions for the campaign ahead with a 3-0 rout of Manchester United on Sunday, scoring all of their goals in the first 19 minutes.
The result came, however, off the back of a 3-2 home Champions League loss to Olympiakos, their third defeat in five games and second in Europe that has them struggling to advance on that front.
Despite their fluctuating results, Wenger's men sit second in the league table just two points behind early leaders Manchester City.
With champions Chelsea already 10 points off the pace, Sky Sports pundit and ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has told them they must win the title because they'll never get a better chance.
Smith does concede they should be capable of that but doesn't believe it's imperative to become champions for the first time since 2004.
He told Sky Sports Now: "I don't think they have to win it this year, although it could be a good opportunity with Chelsea's troubles.
"Arsenal are a big, big club with 60,000 punters through the turnstiles at every home game and £200m in the bank.
"Whatever you say about the spending power of Manchester City and Chelsea, they should be challenging every year from here on in.
"Yes, this could be a really good opportunity and you're looking for consistency but it's not now or never for me.
"They do need to correct their defensive flaws. They're a super-talented team with a character flaw because they'll always throw in a dodgy or very poor performance.
"It seems to be in their mentality during a match where they get a bit panicky and they can't think with clear heads.
"They went to 2-2 with Olympiakos, all bombed forward and conceded a third. It's happened before, it happened against Monaco.
"They do work more on combating the opposition in terms of their shape but in the heat of the moment, still, they're letting themselves down. They need to get over that."
Alexis Sanchez scored twice against United and after a low-key start to the season he now has six goals in his last three appearances.
Smith believes he could be key to any successful title bid and added: "He's one of their best players, if not the best. He has enthusiasm and he's infectious. His quality is there for all to see.
"He had a busy summer so it took him a while to get started but in this kind of mood, he just lifts the whole team and leads them from the front.
"Of course they need him but they need (Mesut) Ozil to turn up in the big games like he did yesterday. He hasn't always done it so that was a good sign."
Theo Walcott was also instrumental in Arsenal's weekend win and Smith believes Wenger's patience with him is paying off.
The England international has been keen to play up front rather than in wider areas and has six goals for his club and country this term.
Smith said: "He has played five league games on the trot now and he needs that run in the team in order to learn his trade.
"He is still learning the ropes in terms of a centre-forward's role - what runs to make, when to make them and his hold-up play has got to get better.
"He's got the bit between his teeth though and he's enjoying that role through the middle. He's scoring goals and his pace is a huge threat to any defender.
"I took some time for Arsene Wenger to be convinced and probably rightly so but he is giving him a run now and it's working for the player and the club."
