Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has launched a staunch defence of manager Mikel Arteta and his Premier League-topping side, dismissing recent criticism as part of a perceived 'agenda' against the club.
Winterburn dismisses 'murmurings' and defends set-piece prowess
Speaking to OLBG, the former Gunners full-back addressed the scrutiny aimed at Arsenal in recent weeks. Despite sitting top of the Premier League table with a two-point lead over Manchester City, Arteta's men have faced questions over their performances, including their reliance on set-pieces and two own goals in a recent 2-1 win over Wolves.
"People are sort of focused on Arsenal a little bit and their set-plays," Winterburn said. "Then there were a few murmurings the other night about own goals winning games. There seems to be a little bit of an agenda about Arsenal at the moment and everyone's picking every single game apart."
He passionately defended the importance of dead-ball situations, describing them as vital. "For as long as I've known football, it's vital to be as good at set-plays as it is at open play," Winterburn argued. "They're almost what I'd call a 'cheap' goal. And if you can get plenty of them, you're going to pick up a significant amount of points."
Gunners eye silverware on multiple fronts
Arsenal's immediate focus is a Premier League clash against Everton this weekend, though they could be overtaken by Manchester City, who play West Ham earlier on the same day. Following that, the north London club faces a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, with a potential semi-final showdown against Chelsea awaiting the winner.
Winterburn went further, outlining why the squad should aim for an unprecedented quadruple this season to maximise their chances of ending the club's wait for major silverware. He emphasised the importance of winning any trophy as a catalyst for greater success.
"When they win the first trophy... just picking up one of those cups for me is the start, it's a journey that you start to go on and hopefully you progress," he added. "I know a lot of supporters and pundits will say it's only the League Cup and it's not good enough, but you have to start somewhere."
Strength in depth key to trophy ambitions
The former defender pointed to the depth of Arteta's squad as a key reason for optimism across all competitions. He acknowledged rotation would be necessary but believes the quality is present to challenge on every front.
"There's no doubt in my mind, there's gonna be a lot of rotation in the League Cup," Winterburn stated. "But just talking about the squad that they've got, depending on injuries, they've still got enough to push teams all the way. Winning it would be a start and it comes, as it's the first one, it comes early in the season."
Winterburn's comments serve as a powerful backing for Arteta and his players, reinforcing the positive mood around the club as they navigate a critical period in the campaign from a position of strength at the summit of English football.
