Arsenal boss Arteta defends ‘unwatchables’

Premier League champions facing criticism over style of play

Friday, 23rd October — By Steve Barnett

Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2

Mikel Arteta [Will Palmer/SPP]

MIKEL Arteta has dismissed “the minority” of negatrons who have criticised Arsenal this season for playing boring football.

The Gunners have come under fire yet again for their style of play. Last season there was plenty of noise surrounding their over-reliance on goals from set-pieces.

And this term, despite the fact that the north Londoners have yet to score from a set-piece in the league, they have still faced plenty more criticism, with some rival supporters even dubbing them “the unwatchables”.

The Premier League champions are the lowest scorers in the top four having found the back of the net 11 times in seven games. But they have the best defensive record so far alongside this season’s surprise package Brighton.

Arteta, though, is adamant that those in the know will feel they have been more than entertained.

Speaking ahead of their Champions League game away to Bayern Munich last night (Wednesday), which was kicking off as the New Journal went to press, the Gunners boss said: “I don’t have that impression because I heard that the style was incredible because we have scored so many goals.

“We have more possession, more shots, different players participating, no goals on set-pieces. So the story is completely different to last year.

“I think we are talking about a very small minority.

“I think the bigger ones, they know that they have enjoyed a lot the way we have played and dominated games this year.

“I think we have proven that. So, that’s my opinion.”

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