Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refuted recent criticism of his team’s playing style, insisting that such views represent only a “very small minority” of observers.
Despite winning 10 of their opening 11 matches across all competitions this season, the Gunners have struggled to find the back of the net with regularity and have found it challenging to break down opponents who adopt a deep defensive setup.
In their most recent league match on Sunday, Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest thanks to an 80th-minute strike from substitute Noni Madueke.
This victory marked just their 11th goal in seven Premier League games so far this campaign, highlighting their ongoing attacking inefficiencies.
Last season, Arsenal claimed the Premier League title by registering the division’s best defense and capitalizing heavily on set-piece opportunities. However, they have failed to score from a set-piece in any competition this season.
When questioned about the growing discussion around their tactical approach, Arteta responded confidently: “I don’t share that perception. From where I stand, our style has been exceptional. We’ve generated numerous goals, maintained strong possession, created multiple chances, and involved several different players in the process.”
“Additionally, we haven’t scored any set-piece goals yet, which paints a very different picture compared to last year,” he added.
“The narrative here is entirely different from what we experienced previously. I believe those offering criticism make up just a small fraction of voices. The majority understand and appreciate how we’ve approached and controlled games this season. And I think we’ve demonstrated that through our results.”
Arteta acknowledged that improvements are needed when facing teams employing compact, deep defensive blocks.
“A low block requires a distinct approach compared to a high block—a mindset focused on constantly delivering passes behind the last line,” he explained, ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
“That said, even against Nottingham Forest, there were areas where we could’ve executed better, and ultimately, that responsibility lies with us. It’s crucial that we acknowledge these shortcomings openly and work on them moving forward.”
Goalkeeper David Raya echoed his manager’s sentiments, emphasizing that the squad remains unfazed by external scrutiny of their performance.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we respect that,” Raya stated. “Ultimately, our record speaks for itself—we’ve only lost once in 11 games this season. If someone wants to label that as boring or frustrating, then I can’t relate to that perspective.”
“We genuinely enjoy playing football. Stepping onto the pitch each day with the aim of winning is what matters most to us,” he concluded.
