Manchester United Icon Delivers Brutal Arsenal Assessment
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal's Premier League title credentials, claiming the Gunners would be "the worst team to ever win the Premier League" should they lift the trophy this season. The controversial comments come despite Mikel Arteta's side currently sitting four points clear at the summit with a genuine chance of ending their long wait for championship glory.
Title Favourites Face Credibility Questions
Arsenal's position as title favourites has come under serious scrutiny following a recent wobble that has seen them collect just two points from their last three Premier League matches. This concerning run included a dramatic late 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, raising questions about their ability to handle pressure during the crucial final months of the campaign.
Speaking candidly on The Good, the Bad and the Football podcast, Scholes expressed his doubts about Arsenal's quality compared to previous champions. "If Arsenal win the league, this could be the worst team to win the league," the former England midfielder stated bluntly. "If you're thinking of picking a team of the season and picking the front four, nobody from the Arsenal team gets in that."
Individual Quality Under Microscope
Scholes extended his criticism to individual players, suggesting that only Bukayo Saka might merit consideration for team of the season honours - while simultaneously questioning the young winger's actual contribution. "Look at previous champions – Liverpool's forwards, brilliant. Possibly the only one is Saka, and I don't think he's been brilliant. He's not scored many goals this year or assists," Scholes remarked, highlighting what he perceives as a significant quality gap between Arsenal and recent title-winning sides.
Growing Chorus of Doubters
The United icon is not alone in questioning Arsenal's championship mentality. Former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira also expressed concerns following the weekend's defeat, suggesting the current squad may lack the psychological fortitude required for a sustained title challenge.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Vieira analysed: "They're still four points clear, but there's still questions about the mental strength of the team. It's not just that they lost the game, it's the way they lost the game. Saka and Trossard didn't produce enough to worry United." The French legend emphasised the need for leadership within the squad, adding: "They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team. They need to understand when they are on the pitch they have to play with more energy and more risks. They have the quality. They didn't play with the freedom to express themselves."
Immediate Challenges Ahead
Arsenal face a brief distraction from their Premier League title pursuit this week as they complete their Champions League group stage campaign against Kairat, having already secured qualification for the knockout rounds. However, attention will quickly return to domestic matters with a crucial trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, closest challengers Manchester City face their own difficult test with a visit to Tottenham on Sunday, ensuring the title race remains finely balanced despite Arsenal's current advantage. The coming weeks will determine whether Arteta's side can silence their growing number of critics and prove themselves worthy champions, or whether the doubts expressed by Scholes, Vieira and others will prove prophetic as the pressure intensifies during the run-in.
