Vieira explains what Arsenal need to get closer to Manchester City

Former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has pointed out what Arsenal must do in order to bridge the gap on Manchester City’s quality.

A 3-0 defeat by Brighton at home on Sunday saw the Gunners’ league title left in tatters, and Vieira, a former Arsenal captain, has pointed out what the London side is missing.

"[Martin] Odegaard has been the technical leader on the field, but what they are missing is this physical presence, this leadership where people can get at the back of players when they are not performing at the level Arsenal expect," Vieira said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"For me, they will have to build a team with more personality, more competitiveness.

"There is no doubt about Arsenal's quality - they're playing some really good football - but there's still a difference between them and Manchester City.

"When you look at City, you get the physical attributes of the players - they are six foot three or six foot four and really strong."

Arsenal were close to ending a title wait that has stretched close to two decades, and Vieira says Mikel Arteta’s main duty is now to rebuild the squad after collapsing towards the end of an otherwise promising season.

"Of course, they'll be disappointed because they were so close to winning the title, and they have to realize what they are missing," the Frenchman added.

"They lost the title, but it's about how you rebuild the team, what you think you are missing to improve and be even closer to Man City next season.

"I think they'll have to analyze not just the game [vs Brighton] but the season. They will have to take a step back and reflect on the season.

"There are a couple of pieces they're missing to be a bit closer to Manchester City. What is really important is the experience. Players going through this period will gain this kind of experience."

Nottingham Forest and Wolves are the next opponents for the Gunners before their season draws to a close.