Mikel Arteta has strongly dismissed suggestions that his Arsenal side are too defensive, responding to criticism from pundit Roy Keane in the aftermath of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Keane argued that Arteta lacks the “gambling instinct” of great managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough, warning that Arsenal’s cautious approach could ultimately cost them in the title race. But Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie with Port Vale, insisted that his team play with an overtly attacking philosophy.
“If you look at the players we have, starting from the goalkeeper, we are the most attacking side in the league,” Arteta said. “Our keeper is the most attacking goalkeeper by far, one of the centre-backs steps into midfield, and both full-backs are in the top bracket for attacking metrics. Even our right-sided midfielder played as a Number 9 last season. How attacking is that?” While Arsenal have faced scrutiny for their caution in heavyweight clashes, Arteta maintains his side possess the tools to dominate. With three forwards he describes as “very, very attacking,” the Arsenal manager believes his approach is far from conservative, and pointedly more progressive than his critics suggest.
GFN | Finn Entwistle
