Sitting at the top of the Premier League and earning full marks in the Champions League, it’s strange that Arsenal are under fire in the media.
After the Gunners made it five consecutive wins in the Premier League against Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta’s side collected criticism.
Jeff Stelling took aim at Arsenal’s style of play, and on social media, the narrative of set-piece reliance and boring football began to fly.
It’s a shame, but it’s something that the Arsenal squad have grown accustomed to, with this not the first time that Arteta’s project has been questioned.
Danny Murphy couldn’t believe the criticism Arsenal received after drawing with Manchester City
After Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester City on matchday five, the Gunners were blasted as if they’d suffered a heavy defeat.
The reason for the criticism? Good defending.
Gary Neville was furious with Arsenal’s approach against City as criticism came from all angles, something Danny Murphy still can’t comprehend.
Speaking on talkSPORT after the most recent win over Crystal Palace, Murphy described the backlash from the City game as ‘bizarre’.
“The criticism after that Man City home game was bizarre. I was sticking up for Arteta for once,” the pundit said.
Murphy continued by describing the situation as ‘ridiculous’, suggesting that Arsenal, in fact, deserved praise for limiting City in a way that so few fail to do.
“I was thinking, this is ridiculous. They’ve just pinned City basically into their own box, which nobody ever does.”
After the game in question, it became apparent that the Arsenal squad were irritated by the criticism they received, and for good reason.
Unbelievable statistic showcases Arsenal’s defensive strength
Erling Haaland’s goal against Arsenal was the only goal that the Gunners have conceded from open play this season.
Instead of having their defensive mastery slammed, it should’ve been celebrated, which, finally, it seems to be.
Arsenal have been remarkable at the back this term, so much so that Arteta’s defenders have been putting in the work going forward as well as in defence.
Staggeringly, Arsenal’s defenders have scored more goals than they’ve conceded in all competitions thus far, being responsible for five goals and conceding just three.
The narrative needs to change, but with Arsenal and Arteta, the topic of negativity, realistically, is unlikely to ease up.
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