Could Arsenal Be the Most Unattractive Premier League Champions?

As Arsenal continues their push for the Premier League title, questions arise regarding the aesthetic qualities of their gameplay. Critics have branded the Gunners as potentially the ugliest title winners in the league’s history. Following their recent victory over Chelsea, where they netted two goals from set-pieces, former Premier League winner Chris Sutton made a bold statement: “If they get over the line, will they be the ugliest Premier League-winning team in history?” This sentiment is echoed by eleven-time champion Paul Scholes, who suggested they could be the “most boring team” to claim the title.

Key Highlights

• Arsenal currently leads the Premier League by seven points.
• Mikel Arteta‘s squad is competing for multiple trophies, including the League Cup and FA Cup.
• They have scored 59 goals in the league, with a significant portion coming from set-pieces.
• Critics argue that their style of play may not resonate with traditional football aesthetics.

Despite criticism, Mikel Arteta has defended his team’s approach, emphasizing that winning takes precedence over style. “It’s about playing the best possible football to give you the best chance to win,” he stated recently. The Gunners have scored 59 goals in 30 league matches this season, averaging 1.97 goals per game, which is on track to be the lowest for a champion since Leicester City’s historic win in 2016. However, this scoring rate still surpasses that of several previous title-winning teams, including the celebrated ‘Invincibles’ of Arsenal.

The focus on set-pieces has contributed to the criticism aimed at Arsenal. Currently, 41% of their goals have originated from these situations—a higher percentage than any past Premier League champion. Critics like Sutton and Scholes, who played for teams that relied heavily on set-pieces themselves, seem to have forgotten their own history. For instance, Sutton’s Blackburn and Scholes’ Manchester United both scored a notable share of their goals from dead-ball scenarios during their respective title-winning seasons.

While the critics may argue that Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces signals a lack of creativity, others view it as a testament to their tactical acumen. Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney voiced his support, stating, “Set-pieces are part of football—why wouldn’t you use them?” Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, after facing Arsenal, acknowledged the effectiveness of their approach and expressed his respect for Arteta and his squad.

As Arsenal marches ahead, they remain in contention for a historic quadruple, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League. This weekend, they face Everton, a match that could further define their season. Arteta, who played under Everton’s David Moyes, has expressed gratitude for the influence of veteran managers like Moyes in his career.

While Arsenal may not be winning in the traditional sense of beautiful football, their approach to the game is effective. Winning, as Moyes pointed out, is what truly matters in football. Therefore, the question remains: can Arsenal overcome the perception of being unattractive champions while still securing the title? Only time will tell, but their track record this season suggests they are a force to be reckoned with.

FAQs

• What makes Arsenal’s style of play criticized?
  Many critics argue that Arsenal relies heavily on set-pieces rather than open play, leading to perceptions of unattractiveness.
• How many goals has Arsenal scored this season?
  As of now, Arsenal has scored 59 goals in 30 Premier League matches.
• Who are Arsenal’s main competitors for the title?
  While Arsenal leads the league, teams like Manchester City and Liverpool remain significant competitors.
• What trophies are Arsenal currently competing for?
  They are in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League.

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