Peter Schmeichel has voiced strong criticism of Arsenal’s tactical approach during their recent match against Liverpool, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Gunners. The former goalkeeper questioned the Gunners’ strategy, arguing that they were too defensive despite possessing a wealth of attacking quality within their squad.
Arsenal have spent the past two months strengthening their ranks with some of the finest names in the game, and expectations had been that Mikel Arteta’s team would adopt a more expansive and attacking style. Instead, against another major Premier League rival, they were perceived to rely heavily on set pieces as their main source of threat.
Schmeichel’s Disapproval
This reliance did not sit well with Schmeichel, who expressed his frustration by suggesting that Arsenal’s approach brought, in his words, “the ugly side of the game.” His comments highlight the growing debate about whether Arsenal are maximising the full potential of their players, especially in high-profile matches where supporters anticipate a more adventurous style of play.
However, Schmeichel’s remarks did not go unanswered. Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott responded to the criticism, suggesting that the Dane’s comments may have been influenced by past frustrations.
Walcott’s Response
Speaking to Mirror Football, Walcott countered, “Well, it worked at Man United so maybe Schmeichel is a bit sour from that result. Because there are times when it works. But the plan in those games is to stay in the game, and this is the dynamic, and where I feel Mikel Arteta is at this moment in time.”
Walcott’s remarks provide an important perspective, acknowledging that while Arsenal’s tactical choices may not be universally admired, they are designed to achieve results. The former England international noted that Arteta is shaping the team’s style according to the demands of the opposition and the situations faced in key fixtures.
It is also worth remembering that Schmeichel himself played for a Manchester United side that frequently relied on pragmatic strategies to secure results, whether through set pieces, defensive organisation, or counter-attacking football. While Arsenal’s current approach may frustrate some observers, it is part of a broader plan that reflects Arteta’s priorities at this stage of his managerial project.
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I like Walcott’s little dig saying it worked against man utd!
He has a point, I think both teams were just waiting for one to crack, playing a waiting game. Unfortunately it took a moment of brilliance to separate the sides.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like the way we played. I just think the nature of the game dictated that. No one wanted to lose.
A bit early to be so pragmatic and risk averse. If it was the Spring, late March or April, then I can understand the reluctance to play open and direct, playing not to lose.
But 3rd match of a new season? Hopefully as the season progresses and new players settle, we see more open and direct play. Otherwise, what’s the point of Gyokeres if you hesitate to feed him?
Madueke was cooking on the wing, why restrict him with the handbrake?
All the depth, quality, and competition, and we play so negative still. Disappointing really, but excuses have dried up. Time to deliver or move on. Unfortunately, I believe top 4 finish sees Arteta safe regardless of trophies or not.
Brings back memories of two games against manure.
1. The semi final at Villa Park, where Keane was sent off and we went gung ho for the winner and lost the game as they went on to complete the treble.
2. The FA cup final, where they completely dominated the game, but we played a brilliant defensive game and won on penalties.
There is a time and a place for every kind of game and we were undone by a moment of magic at Anfield.
Football is a results game. When you get the result, nobody questions the tactics. It’s when the results get wrong then the tactics are automatically wrong.
At Anfield, I saw two teams that played with a lot of respect for one another. There were two teams out there who would rather share the points than lose the game.
At the end, Arsenal lost to some questionable refree decisions and a brilliant free kick. And the way the other team celebrated had a story of its own to tell.
This is one of the issues with the MMQB analysis that comes after a loss. When Arsenal pick up points using similar approaches people are often much quieter.
The criticisms that come from certain pundits and certain former players are particularly problematic. Arsenal played conservatively but it wasn’t a defensive setup. Schmeichel is clearly just continuing with the narrative that he’s bought into.
Not true mate
People are talking about the style of football because it’s not a one off and they are saying in the big games / moments can we get over the line with those tactics ?
Why do you think every year I bet with someone on here that we won’t win the CL because I fear we play in a manner that catches up with you
How many times in those 19 consecutive years did we win the CL playing open attacking football ?
The same
Did you have bets on during those years that we wouldn’t win the CL ?
Nope as I didn’t hear fans arrogant enough to say we would
So you’ve only had 2 bets then.
So anyone who places a bet is arrogant Dan?
Tell you what Dan, as there are another nineteen clubs in the PL, if you give me the odds of 19 to one, I’ll bet you £50 we’ll win the PL this season… are you up for it?
In good faith Ken no because last 2 seasons no one paid you
And let’s be honest if I had lost , the likes of yourself would have reminded me
In good faith and if it makes the honesty side of it easier for you Dan, I’ll send you a cheque for £50 in advance.
Not sure what you mean by the “likes of me” by the way?!?!
No mate I said after last time I wasn’t willing too
Think I better something like 500 pound and everyone laughed in my face
Plus , I’m not dead against the idea Arsenal can win the PL if Arteta can change his ways
When I betted the CL, fans were claiming it after all those injuries purely because we were called Arsenal
Well it’s subjective isn’t it
So it depends on the bet
If you said to me Arsenal will beat Leeds I would say that’s a good bet
I felt in the last 2 years if was crazy to look at our squad and say we would win the CL
Just a quick thought Dan, it wasn’t me who didn’t pay uo was it! 😱
No lol
How often have there been similar meltdowns over the last few years when Arsenal picked up points at difficult venues using similar approaches?
Schmeichel’s narrative comes from the era when he was playing and he seems to expect teams to play in a similar manner to the MU team he played in. This is unrealistic. It’s also disingenuous as many top teams alter their approaches when facing other top teams.
How often did MC win games at Liverpool during their recent dominance? Several of the games between them as contemporary title challengers were cagey affairs. MC only won once at Liverpool during their most dominant period. It didn’t stop them winning the PL multiple times.
Arsenal do not have a decisive advantage in talent when compared with other top teams so it is simply sensible to take a conservative approach especially when playing away.
Your comment about your bets with people about the CL are irrelevant. Arsenal have never been favourites so anyone can make that kind of bet. It’s a cheap trick. Both MC and PSG have each only once ever won the CL despite years of success in their respective countries with great players and great teams. Winning the CL is relatively uncommon for most top teams.
Arteta is to be blame against Liverpool, his mindset is to play defensive football when he starts 3 Defensive midfielders, and we have eze and Ethan on the bench, and he also keep on playing martinelli when we have another option on the bench
I seem to recall that after the United game that we won by the way. Fans and I include myself in this was rightly calling out that performance to.
So as for the keeping quite line when we win, just isn’t true.
Yes Derek some of us can see the full picture. Not just one game.
In reply to you both, I think it’s a bit too early to see the full picture, however, I’d say the disquiet started then and hasn’t slowed down so I agree on that stance.
Let’s hope for a brighter season
I did mention two games as an example Reggie.
After the euphoria of winning the cup final,, nobody cared how we played, because, as you have said so many times….. it’s all about winning, or has that changed now?