London, March 3: For nearly 22 years, Arsenal’s pursuit of a Premier League crown has been shadowed by lingering accusations — that they flattered to deceive, that they were all elegance and no edge, a team admired for artistry but questioned for resilience.
Since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” lifted the trophy in 2003-04, the Gunners have endured false dawns and painful near-misses, often criticised for lacking the steel required to get over the line.
Now, under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal stand on the brink of rewriting that narrative. With nine league games remaining, they hold a five-point lead over Manchester City, albeit having played a game more. They also swept through the Champions League group stage with a perfect record and have a Carabao Cup final against City looming at Wembley. An FA Cup fifth-round tie against League One side Mansfield Town further fuels hopes of a historic campaign across multiple fronts.
Yet even amid this surge, fresh criticism has emerged. Arteta’s side, once lauded for free-flowing football, are now labelled pragmatic to a fault, accused of relying heavily on set-pieces and structure rather than flair. Their narrow 2-1 victory over Chelsea, in which both goals came from corners, reignited claims that Arsenal have become overly functional.
Arteta, however, is unlikely to be troubled by such assessments. With the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover and the pinpoint delivery of Declan Rice, Arsenal have turned dead-ball situations into a potent weapon. In a title race defined by fine margins, efficiency often trumps aesthetics.
Statistically, Arsenal’s campaign speaks of dominance rather than dullness. They have scored a league-high 58 goals and conceded just 22, boasting a goal difference of +36 — the best in the division. Their 21 goals from set-pieces, including penalties, lead the way, but they have also recorded the most touches in the opposition box (981) and created 87 big chances, second only to City.
Recent performances have shown both grit and character. After surrendering a two-goal lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal responded with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby before edging past Chelsea. Such resilience, once deemed absent, is now evident.
Arteta himself has acknowledged there is room for improvement, particularly in managing games more comfortably. But he also recognises the strain inherent in a title run-in. “Every team that is winning games is suffering,” he said after the Chelsea match, pointing to the narrow margins that define champions.
The shadow of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City — serial winners under a philosophy admired worldwide — looms large. Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot, have also set lofty standards. Against such backdrops, Arteta has opted for pragmatism over purism, determined to end Arsenal’s long wait for domestic supremacy.
Ultimately, the judgement will rest on silverware. If Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy in May, debates over style and set-piece reliance will fade into irrelevance. Success, after all, is the ultimate currency in football.
For Arteta and his players, the mission is clear: hold their nerve, finish the job, and ensure that this time, there are no regrets. (Agencies)
