Mikel Arteta has hit back at critiques of Arsenal’s playing style, light-heartedly dismissing Paul Scholes’ suggestion that the Gunners would be the “most boring” Premier League champions in history. Instead, the Spaniard asserted that his side is widely regarded as the “most exciting team in Europe” by international observers.
The verbal sparring began after Scholes, the former Manchester United maestro, criticised Arsenal’s heavy reliance on set pieces and the lack of prolific scoring from their front four. Despite sitting six points clear of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League, Scholes argued that their pragmatic approach lacked the flair traditional of title winners.
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Record-Breaking Resilience and Global Acclaim
Arteta, speaking ahead of the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, was unfazed by the pundit’s remarks. He pointed to his team’s unprecedented achievement of winning all eight of their Champions League league-phase matches as evidence of their continental superiority.
“I hear completely the opposite,” Arteta remarked. “All around Europe, people say we are the most exciting team—the most goals, the most clean sheets. Perhaps my sources are different to his.” When pressed on the disparity between domestic criticism and foreign praise, Arteta joked, “Send me the names and addresses of these critics; perhaps we can have a talk.”
Arsenal’s Statistical Dominance (2025-2026 Season)
| Metric | Achievement | Significance |
| Set Piece Goals | 17 | League High (3 more than any other club) |
| League Position | 1st | 6 points clear of Manchester City |
| Champions League | 8/8 Wins | First team to achieve a perfect league-phase record |
| Defensive Record | Most Clean Sheets | Best defensive efficiency in the Premier League |
| Top Scorer | Viktor Gyökeres | 6 League Goals |
The Road to Wembley
Arsenal enter Tuesday’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium with a 3-2 aggregate lead over Chelsea. Historically, the Gunners have dominated this London rivalry of late, remaining unbeaten in their last nine encounters with the Blues. However, the club is desperate to end a long-standing League Cup drought, having last lifted the trophy under George Graham in 1993.
“The big objective is to bring the players and supporters together to enjoy that moment,” Arteta emphasised. “Winning trophies is a cycle you want to repeat constantly. Some in this group have never done it; for them, it’s about that first taste of silverware.”
Chelsea’s Counter-Strategy
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, however, appears ready to exploit any potential “home-turf anxiety” at the Emirates. Following Arsenal’s recent narrow defeat to Manchester United, Rosenior hinted that the pressure of the occasion might weigh heavy on the hosts.
“We’ll see if we can make them nervous,” Rosenior said with a smile. “My players, like Enzo Fernández, have won World Cups and major trophies. They know how to perform in the biggest games.” Chelsea face a selection headache, however, with Jamie Gittens sidelined by a hamstring injury and Estêvão Willian currently on compassionate leave in Brazil.