Wayne Rooney has defended Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, encouraging him to disregard the “very unfair” criticism aimed at the team’s playing style, which has been a topic of debate among fans and analysts.
The Gunners are still in the hunt for a quadruple as they recently secured a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals following a 2-1 victory over Mansfield. They are currently seven points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, although City has one game in hand.
Arsenal’s tactics have faced scrutiny, particularly from former West Ham and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who labeled their performance as “functional” and suggested that any league title won under these circumstances would warrant an “asterisk” due to their time-wasting tactics.
On the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney remarked, “When we last won the league, we weren’t exactly a great team, but nobody looks back and criticizes that Manchester United squad. I don’t believe Arsenal is as bad as people are claiming.”
“I’m not saying this just because I’m a fan of Arsenal; I find the scrutiny they’re facing unjust given they’re seven points clear at the top. If opponents can’t cope with it, they need to improve. That’s how I’d approach it if I were Arteta.”
“Their main goal should be winning games in any manner necessary. When you’re competing for the title, the opinions of others about your playing style shouldn’t matter as long as you’re securing victories.”
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Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler criticized Arsenal after his team’s 1-0 loss to them last week, claiming the Gunners were “making their own rules.” In response to inquiries about Arsenal’s aggressive tactics during set pieces, Rooney stated, “If the officials aren’t addressing that, and I don’t see it as overly aggressive…
“If opposing teams can’t handle it, why wouldn’t Arsenal continue to exploit that weakness? They’re having success, and I enjoy it. I believe Arteta recognizes this and has no obligation to change simply because others are complaining.”