10 Arsenal Players Who Weren't Worth The Hassle
10. William Gallas
William Gallas' mainstay at the club is a quagmire, and a topic of hot debate for sure. Arriving as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Chelsea in 2006, the French defender performed admirably for Arsenal. He was the club captain, and was a leader. Tough and commanding at the back, and dangerous in the opposing box, Gallas proved to be a top signing for Arsenal. Then what on earth is he doing on this list? The answer is quite simple - his attitude is one of the main reasons why Arsenal were not crowned Premier League champions in 2008.
The decision to award the Frenchman with the captains armband within a year of his arrival was a controversial move, with Gilberto Silva having been widely tipped to receive it following the departure of Thierry Henry. To his credit, Gallas led by example, and the Gunners were cruising to the league title until February, when it all went up in flames.
There is one sight which most Arsenal supporters will associate with their former captain. On 23 February 2008, the Frenchman was solemnly slumped on the St. Andrews turf, having surrendered a precious three points with a last-minute penalty concession against Birmingham City. Their world had been rocked by the horrific injury sustained by Croatian striker Eduardo, and were clearly unable to see out the game. Forgetting his responsibilities as captain of the club, Gallas had to be restrained as he appeared to confront the crowd following James McFaddens last-gasp penalty.
Despite musings that Wenger would strip him of the armband, Gallas kept the armband until November, when he was stripped of it following an interview, in which he disclosed disruptive tensions within the squad. He was subsequently dropped, fined two weeks wages and was forced to pass the armband onto Spaniard Cesc Fabregas.
Destroying any semblance of credibility he may have had at the Emirates, he sold his soul to the devil, penning a contract at bitter cross-city rivals Tottenham Hotspur. A fine defender he may have been, but an unsavoury character in many Gunner supporters eyes.