Manny Ita –
Former Premier League striker Wayne Rooney has defended the playing style of Arsenal F.C. and urged manager Mikel Arteta to disregard what he described as unfair criticism directed at the club’s tactical approach.
Arsenal, who currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, remain in contention for multiple trophies this season after advancing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 2–1 victory over Mansfield Town F.C..
Despite their strong run of form, the North London club’s style of play has recently attracted criticism from several figures within football.
Former West Ham United F.C. and Newcastle United F.C. manager Alan Pardew last week described Arsenal’s approach as a “functional display” and suggested that perceived time-wasting tactics could place an “asterisk” beside any league title win.
Similarly, Fabian Hurzeler, manager of Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., claimed Arsenal were “making their own rules” after his side suffered a 1–0 home defeat to the Gunners.
Rooney, however, dismissed the criticism while speaking on the BBC programme Wayne Rooney Show.
“The last league title we won we weren’t great as a team, but no one is going back to that now saying ‘oh, that Man United team who won that last title weren’t great,” he said, referring to his time with Manchester United F.C..
“I don’t think they’ve been as bad as what people are saying, I really don’t,” he added.
Rooney said his comments were not influenced by any preference for Arsenal but were based on what he considered an unfair narrative surrounding the league leaders.
“I’m not saying this because I like Arsenal, I’m saying this because I think it’s very unfair, the criticism they are receiving for being, what, seven points top of the league? If teams can’t deal with it, do it more. That’s what I’d be doing if I was Arteta.”
He added that teams competing for the league title should prioritise results over style of play.
“Their focus is just trying to win games in any way possible and when you’re going for the title I don’t think you have to worry about how anyone thinks about how you play, as long as you win,” Rooney said.
Addressing Arsenal’s physical approach to set pieces, Rooney said the tactic was part of the game and difficult for opponents to handle.
“If the officials aren’t going to do anything to stop that, and I don’t even think it’s a royal rumble… If you’re not clever enough or you haven’t got the players who can deal with that, why would Arsenal not continue to do that?” he said.
“Teams are finding it difficult to stop it. It’s part of the game, I love it, I think it’s been great. I’m sure Arteta doesn’t think this but they don’t have to change anything because people are moaning and complaining about it.”
