Paul Scholes Criticizes Arsenal as Boring; Mikel Arteta Defends Team's Excitement
In a fresh chapter of the enduring Manchester United-Arsenal rivalry, former United midfielder Paul Scholes has sparked controversy by labeling the current Arsenal team as boring. This criticism comes despite Arsenal's impressive performance this season, where they lead the Premier League with a six-point advantage and have dominated the UEFA Champions League group stage with eight consecutive wins.
Scholes' Critique Based on Striker Goals and Set-Pieces
Scholes, a winner of 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United, voiced his opinion on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. He argued that Arsenal's lack of goals from their strikers and their reliance on set-pieces make them unexciting. "If Arsenal win the league, this could be the worst team to win the league," Scholes stated. He further explained that when selecting a team of the season, no Arsenal forward would make the cut, comparing them unfavorably to previous champions like Liverpool.
Specifically, Scholes pointed out that even star player Bukayo Saka hasn't been brilliant this year, with limited goals and assists. He emphasized that Arsenal's success, even if they end their 22-year title drought, wouldn't change his mind about their style of play.
Arteta's Strong Rebuttal and European Perspective
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a former midfielder for the club, swiftly responded to Scholes' comments. Arteta claimed that the perception of Arsenal abroad is entirely different, with many in Europe viewing them as the most exciting team. "I hear all around Europe that we are the most exciting team in Europe – the most goals, the most clean sheets. Maybe I have different sources," Arteta remarked.
When asked about the disparity in views between domestic and international observers, Arteta challenged the critics to provide specific names, saying he couldn't address vague comments without details. His defense highlights a disconnect in how Arsenal's performances are evaluated across different regions.
Statistical Backing and Additional Support from Keown
To put the debate in context, Arsenal's statistics this season tell a compelling story. In the Premier League, they have scored 46 goals and conceded 17 in 24 matches, with Viktor Gyokeres as their top scorer with six goals. Notably, 17 of their goals have come from set-pieces, the highest in the league. In the Champions League, they scored 23 goals and conceded only four in eight group stage fixtures.
Arteta wasn't alone in defending Arsenal. Former defender Martin Keown, who won three Premier League titles with the club, called Scholes' comments "mischievous". Keown advised the team to ignore such noise and focus on winning the title, asserting that Arsenal's current form makes them better than everyone else. He added a playful jab, comparing Scholes' remark to one of his old tackles: "I love Paul but this comment is like one of his tackles, it's waist-high."
This exchange underscores the intense rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal, extending beyond the pitch into post-retirement banter. While Scholes critiques Arsenal's style, Arteta and Keown stand firm in their belief that the team's results and European acclaim speak for themselves.
