Arteta says criticism of Arsenal’s style comes from a ‘very small minority’

Criticism of Arsenal’s style of play comes from a “very small minority”, Mikel Arteta believes. The manager has defended his side as the Gunners have won 10 of their 11 matches this season, while not always scoring freely and sometimes struggling against teams that defend deep.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that his team’s football is disappointing. “I don’t have that impression because I heard that the style was incredible,” he said, pointing to the goals scored, possession, shots and involvement of different players. He also argued that most observers had enjoyed the way Arsenal played and dominated games this year.

The manager acknowledged, however, that there is room to improve against deep defences. “The low block demands a different kind of game to the high block. A team that is constantly putting the ball in the last line. It’s different,” he said. Reflecting on that challenge, he also conceded that his side could have done better on Sunday, adding that improvement was in the team’s hands and should be recognised openly.

David Raya also responded to the criticism. BBC Sport reports that the goalkeeper says the players are not irritated by questions about their style and believes the team’s results speak for themselves. “We have lost one game in 11 this season; if you call that boring or irritating, I don’t know what to say,” he said. He added that the players enjoy playing football and going out to win matches.

Arteta’s defence is also supported by last season’s record: Arsenal won the Premier League while conceding fewer goals than any other side and scoring more from set-pieces. Arteta had also led the club to the Premier League title and the Champions League final. Those achievements lend weight to his response, while leaving the present challenge of facing deep-lying opponents in view.