Paul Scholes has expressed his bewilderment at Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach during Arsenal’s recent clash with Manchester City. The Gunners, who have invested heavily in strengthening their squad, opted for a more defensive setup in what was one of their most important fixtures of the season.
Arsenal’s tendency to adopt a cautious strategy against top clubs is not new, and City are among the opponents that have regularly drawn this approach. Despite the club’s efforts in the transfer market to add some of the best attacking players available, the game plan remained conservative, echoing a similar strategy used earlier in the season against Liverpool.
Scholes’ Criticism of Arsenal’s Approach
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes did not hold back in his criticism. “It was a very negative team, I thought. He’s almost gone back 20 years,” he said of Arteta’s tactics. “I know he’s been in England a long time but it’s almost like we’ve brought an English mentality to him. ‘Be cautious at first, be safe and try to get through the game.’”
His comments reflect a belief that Arsenal, given the depth of attacking talent now available, should be aiming to play with greater ambition in high-profile matches. Supporters, too, expect the team to showcase its offensive strength and produce goals rather than retreat into a safety-first mentality.
Balancing Attack and Defence
While Scholes emphasised the negative aspect of Arteta’s choices, it is also clear that defensive solidity remains a central part of Arsenal’s strategy this season. The Gunners are intent on finding the right balance between making full use of their attacking players and maintaining a structure that limits defensive vulnerabilities.
This approach may not always please fans or former professionals who call for a more expansive style, but it reflects the reality of competing against elite opposition. Arsenal’s challenge lies in evolving their game plan to harness their considerable attacking resources without compromising the defensive stability that has become part of their identity.
The debate sparked by Scholes highlights the scrutiny that accompanies Arsenal’s push for trophies. With a squad built to deliver goals, the expectation is clear: the team must make better use of its attacking potential while still guarding against costly defensive lapses.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
The gaffer’s team selection puts his stature as a tactical genius under scrutiny.
But his double substitution at half time was a clear indication he had gotten it wrong, in the end one has to admit he did made amend
Saka came on because of an injury, not some genius tactical switch
But let me not ruin a good story with facts, carry on
Yes the introduction of Saka and Eze at half time certainly up the ante
Knowing you are wrong and taking corrective actions is an effective approach to resolve the problem at hand and hence improving the performance
So by the gaffer quickly identifying the problem and the root cause of it and taking corrective actions, he had effectively redeemed himself.
😂😂
Maybe reread what he wrote
I often wonder why Arteta always has his way, even with poor choice of who to play, where, DESPITE having a good squad!
This team has an enviable squad, yet the manager does not seem to want them to play to their fullest ability; and those whose portfolio includes sport direction, DON’T seem to see what the fans, pundits and all who love soccer, SEE!
Why?
It appears as if Arteta can do whatever he likes with the squad, even if it means killing the initiative in skillful players. Some of such players, will not accept mediocrity, at the expense of their ability; and come the right time, they will leave for clubs that aim for trophies.
You wonder why Arteta always has his way? That’s because he’s the boss, the one who picks the team, no one else has a say.
Arteta as an assistant to Guardiola has learned the finest art of diffence. The result will always be a draw or a loss.
This latest match is an exact copy of the last premiership encounter at the Etihad between the two sides. Arsenal was leading, with a man down. They went in a defensive mode, inviting relentless attack after attack from Man City. Eventually letting a goal in, leading to a draw. That is exactly the same thing which happened last Sunday. Man City leading and going in a defensive mode, inviting Arsenal attacks, eventually leading to a goal and a draw.
The best form of defense is to attack! It is pointless to have overwhelming ball possession, if that possession is in your own half and is not translated in goals !
Glad he made the switch at half time to improve….whether he’s learnt something and ready to change will be known in the lineup on Sunday against the toons!
He could have been more attacking with the starting lineup, but the narrative seems to ignore that in both games against City and Liverpool, both sides played quite defensively – City were very defensive against Arsenal and that approach makes sense.
People also have short memories – i hated the period when we used to get routinely battered by Liverpool/City/Chelsea because we went in with a shambolic defense. That being said, Arteta can take the handbrake off a bit now ;)….I think the questions we should be asking are, what are we doing in training that leads to so many injuries?
We dominated the game.. We conceded against the run of play and city set back.. We had 2 days extra to prepare and plan was to tire them up.. The only problem we have is that we want our fav players to play..