Arteta Defends Arsenal Amid Criticism from Scholes Ahead of Chelsea Clash

The exchange of words commenced when former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes criticized Arsenal’s style of play, citing a perceived lack of fluidity among their attacking players and an over-dependence on set-pieces. Scholes remarked that, while effective, the current Arsenal team lacks the flair of past title-winning squads.

In anticipation of Tuesday night’s pivotal second leg against Chelsea at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta was quick to provide a contrasting perspective. The Arsenal manager mentioned that feedback from across Europe portrays his team in a vastly different light.

“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, a smile barely concealed on his face. “Perhaps I have different sources.”

When questioned about the apparent disparity between the views of domestic pundits and those of foreign admirers, Arteta humorously requested the contact details of his critics. “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 provide a massive book of all the people.”

While Scholes’s “boring” label may irk Arsenal supporters, statistics largely endorse Arteta’s claims of dominance. The Gunners have been a formidable force this season, making history as the first team to win all eight league matches in the Champions League group stage.

Domestically, they currently hold a six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, having recently defeated Leeds to keep their momentum alive. Viktor Gyokeres leads the team’s scoring chart with six league goals, demonstrating that the attack remains effective despite the criticism.

Nevertheless, Scholes was accurate in noting Arsenal’s efficiency from set-pieces. The Gunners have netted an impressive 17 goals from dead-ball situations this season—three more than any other team.

As the verbal sparring continues, the focus shifts to a significant evening at the Emirates, where Arsenal holds a narrow 3-2 aggregate lead over Chelsea from the first leg. A draw or better will secure their place at Wembley.

Arteta is eager to convert this “excitement” into silverware, as the club last won the League Cup under George Graham back in 1993—a drought the current manager is keen to end. He urged supporters to create an atmosphere befitting the team’s standing in Europe.

“The big one is to get the team and players and all our supporters together to enjoy that moment,” he emphasized. “[Winning trophies] is a cycle that you want to repeat constantly, and we still have to do that.”

Despite a recent home defeat to Manchester United, Arteta dismissed any concerns about anxiety in the stands. “I expect the crowd, as they have all season, to be with us,” he asserted. “We have an opportunity to go to Wembley all together.”

In the opposing dugout, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is strategizing to defy the odds. He refrained from engaging in psychological discussions regarding any potential nervousness from Arsenal, opting instead to concentrate on his squad’s resilience.

“We’ll see,” Rosenior said when asked if he could take advantage of any tension at the Emirates. “We’ll go and play our game.”

Chelsea face their own hurdles, as Rosenior confirmed that winger Jamie Gittens is likely to miss the match due to a hamstring injury sustained during the weekend’s victory over West Ham. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds teenage sensation Estevao Willian, who remains on compassionate leave in Brazil.

Rosenior anticipates a “really physical game” but believes his squad, which includes World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, possesses the big-game experience necessary to turn the tie around. “They can play in big games; they can perform in big games, and it is definitely a big game on Tuesday,” he remarked.