Mikel Arteta has offered a robust defence of his Arsenal side's playing style, directly countering criticism from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes that the Gunners would be the most boring team to win the Premier League. The Arsenal manager insisted that across Europe, his team is celebrated for its thrilling football.
Arteta Cites European Acclaim in Response to Domestic Criticism
Following Arsenal's commanding 4-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, which saw Gabriel Jesus netting the fourth goal and marked the sixth occasion this season the North London club has scored four or more, Arteta addressed Scholes' recent remarks. The former England midfielder had pointed to Arsenal's reliance on set-pieces and a perceived lack of goals from their front four as evidence for his claim.
"I hear completely the opposite: all around Europe that we are the most exciting team in Europe – the most goals, the most clean sheets," Arteta stated emphatically. "Maybe I have different sources."
Disparity in Perception Between Home and Abroad
When questioned about the stark contrast in how Arsenal are viewed domestically compared to on the continent, Arteta challenged journalists to provide specifics. "I don't know which people. You send me the names, the addresses and the email and maybe we can talk but I can't give you a massive book of all the people," he remarked.
The statistics present a compelling case for Arsenal's effectiveness. The club has scored 17 goals from set-pieces this season, three more than any other Premier League side. Furthermore, striker Viktor Gyökeres leads their league scoring charts with six goals, contributing to a team that currently sits six points clear at the top of the table after their comprehensive win against Leeds.
Focus Shifts to Crucial Carabao Cup Semi-Final
Attention now turns to a significant midweek fixture, with Arsenal holding a 3-2 advantage heading into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Arteta emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and reaching the final, a competition the club hasn't won since 1993.
"The big one is to get the team and players and all of our supporters together to enjoy that moment," Arteta explained, highlighting the collective desire for silverware. "That is what really drives me. [Winning trophies] is a cycle that you want to repeat constantly, and we still have to do that, and some of them, they've never done it, so it's always a first time."
Chelsea's Rosenior Anticipates Physical Battle
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is preparing his side for a demanding encounter, acknowledging the physical toll of a congested fixture schedule. "My concern is resting. It's another three-game week. We need to recover. It's going to be a really physical game," Rosenior noted.
He also hinted at potentially exploiting any signs of anxiety from the Arsenal supporters, following a recent nervy home defeat to Manchester United. "We'll see," Rosenior said with a smile when asked about making the Emirates crowd uneasy. "We'll see. We'll go and play our game."
Rosenior expressed confidence in his squad's big-game mentality, referencing players like World Cup winner Enzo Fernández. However, Chelsea face potential absences, with winger Jamie Gittens likely missing due to a hamstring injury and uncertainty over Estêvão Willian's availability following compassionate leave.
Arteta, meanwhile, expects unwavering support from the Arsenal faithful. "I expect the crowd, like it's been all season, with us," he said. "We have had some incredible moments together, and we have an opportunity to go to Wembley all together." The stage is set for a compelling clash as Arsenal aim to silence critics and edge closer to a long-awaited cup final.
