Mikel Arteta has firmly dismissed claims that his Arsenal side are too cautious, insisting his methods represent the most forward-thinking football in England.
The Spaniard made the comments as he prepares his team for Sunday’s Premier League trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
Sky Sports analysts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher sparked debate earlier this week, suggesting Arsenal showed a conservative streak in their recent draw against Manchester City.
Both argued that Arteta had “engaged the handbrake” through his squad selection and tactical approach, prompting questions about the Gunners’ ambition in high-profile matches.
Arteta was quick to defend his philosophy, stressing that Arsenal’s squad is brimming with offensive talent.
He pointed to David Raya as an example of how his players contribute to the team’s progressive style. He also highlighted defender Gabriel and midfielder Mikel Merino as proof that Arsenal build their structure around proactive, front-foot football.
“For sure, if you look at the players that we have, starting from the keeper, very attacking goalkeeper, the most attacking goalkeeper in the league by far,” said Arteta, according to The Mirror.
“The centre backs, the most attacking one, in one phase the most attacking one. The two full-backs, you look at every stat, that’s it. We mainly play with a player on the right-hand side attacking midfield, he played as a nine last year.
“So how attacking that is, more than a nine playing in midfield, I haven’t seen it in the league. So I think we have a lot of attacking, different qualities of attacking players, some of them more talented in some areas than others in relation to the game that we play.
“I think when you look at the winning record on this football club, the goals that we scored, the clean sheet that we had, the way we played against Manchester City, in the territory we played against Man City. I cannot waste that opportunity.
“And if the intention of those comments, which ones are the good ones, positive, to be better for us, not to be so good for us, it depends where the comment is coming from. That’s when I can analyse it.
“So, how can you be dominant against such a team if you have, what was the word? Handbrake. Dominance and handbrake, they are two different words.”
The Gunners face Port Vale tonight in the Carabao Cup before turning their attention back to league duties. While rotation is expected, Arteta has made clear that his tactical vision remains unchanged.
