Arsenal's Premier League title victory should have an "asterisk" against it, according to former West Ham and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew. The Gunners are celebrating their first league title in 22 years after closest rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Pardew's Criticism
Speaking on talkSPORT during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Brighton in March, Pardew accused the Gunners of "gamesmanship" and said "there is nothing beautiful about them." He stated: "When I'm looking at them with my football manager's head on, they're so professional. They do every bit of gamesmanship to get it over the line." Pardew added: "There'll be an asterisk next to their name because you've only got to look at them really in these types of performances and say it's just a functional display. It's a professional, functional display. They're good, they're strong, they're powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That's the truth."
Set-Piece Tactics Polarise Opinion
Arsenal's season has been accompanied by criticism of the tactics employed by Mikel Arteta, whose success from set-pieces has polarised opinion. While praised in some quarters, others have slammed their supposed rough-house tactics at corners.
Fans Celebrate Despite Detractors
The Gunners fans who celebrated wildly into the early hours of the morning are unlikely to care about the views of detractors like Pardew. After three successive runner-up finishes, Arsenal have shed their cruel 'bottle jobs' tag to regain their status as English football's top dogs after more than two decades.
Historic Double in Sight
Arteta's side will formally be presented with the trophy on Sunday after their final match of the season at Crystal Palace. They could still make it an historic double for the club as they chase their first Champions League title in the final against Paris St Germain later this month. The league title ended a six-year period without a trophy and is Arteta's second major honour in charge after the 2020 FA Cup victory.
Reactions from Legends
Former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who led the team to their last title in 2004, featured in a celebratory post from the club. He said: "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment." Former England goalkeeper David Seaman, who made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1990 and 2003, said on X: "Premier League champions!!! What a moment!!! What a season!!!!!!!! EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Longest (22 years and) three minutes of MY LIFE…"
