Arsenal captain William Gallas believes his side would have been crowned Premier League champions this season had luck not deserted them during the run-in

"You can play well, but if the luck is not there, then you will win nothing," he said. "The luck went from us a few months ago. People have to understand that."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger conceded his team's title challenge on Sunday following defeat at leaders Manchester United, which left them nine points off the pace with only four games to play.

The Gunners were also left broken-hearted in the Champions League, after defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the quarter-finals. That game saw Liverpool win a vital penalty, while Arsenal had appeals for their own spot-kick denied.

French international Gallas believes had such marginal calls gone in favour of his side, the Gunners would have plenty of reasons to celebrate come May. He also cited his team's inability to hold a lead.

"We drew too many games at home, and away we lost important points," he said. "For a few months it has been difficult for us to react to conceding a goal, we have been going down very quick."

"When the season started we were not like this and I don't know why we started getting into trouble after scoring a goal. We have to work on that for next season."

Gallas insisted positives can be salvaged from the campaign.

"What is very positive from last season is we should finish third in the Premier League, and we reached the quarter-final of the Champions League, so we have improved," he said.

"However we cannot accept just that because when the season started we wanted to win everything. But then slowly, slowly we started to lose. Now at the end, we do not get anything. That is a great shame for the club.

"We have to speak together and find out what was wrong. We are not far away, but we will have to see what we can do next season. I hope we can get something. I am a competitor and want to win everything. You only remember the people who win trophies.

"For the fans and the club, it is important to get some cups. Now we just have to be professional and finish this season well."

The inquest may have already begun into just why Arsenal failed to deliver again this season and what must be done to close the gap on big spending United and Chelsea next year, but Wenger maintains his squad does not need major surgery.

The Gunners boss insists his main priority is to keep the current group together, and adding only "one experienced player" - if they can find him at the right price.

However, the futures of veterans Jens Lehmann and Gilberto - both part of the 2003-04 'Invincibles' squad - look likely to be elsewhere, while a new deal has yet to be agreed with out-of-contract midfielder Mathieu Flamini as Juventus wait in the wings.

"The main target is to keep the team together because we are absolutely amazing," said Wenger.

"I feel the difference between being champion and winning the Champions League is very close."

TeamTalk / Eurosport