Patrick Vieira doubts Arsenal title credentials because of a lack of leadership at the club

French midfielder captained the Invincibles to the title in 2004

Patrick Vieira lifts the Premier League title with Arsenal in 2004 (GETTY IMAGES)

Patrick Vieira, the last man to lift the Premier League trophy for Arsenal, says he doubts whether the Gunners, who are five points clear at the top, can go on and win the title this season due to an absence of leaders.

The Frenchman was the captain of 2004’s Invincibles, and is now manager of Manchester City’s elite development squad. Arsenal take on fourth-placed City, who trail the Gunners by six points, on Saturday lunch time.

The Arsenal legend, who also won the title with the club in 1998 and 2002, has stoked the fires ahead of the Etihad Stadium clash, raising doubts of whether they can actually go on and win the league.

“When you look at Arsenal, they play fantastic football. But sometimes you need to win games playing badly, and I don’t think Arsenal are capable of that.

“Maybe there is a lack of leadership – they don’t have a Tony Adams, Martin Keown or Sol Campbell. These are players who can be leaders on or off the field.”