Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was criticised over the weekend for his approach to Manchester City, but the Spaniard says he is one of the most offensive managers in the Premier League
Mikel Arteta laughs at the accusations that he plays with the handbrake, claiming that his philosophy is the most offensive in British football.
Sky critics Gary Neville and Jamie Carrager both argued that Arsenal was first safe against Manchester City, applying “handbrake” in team selection and tactics. However, before Arsenal travelled to Port Vale in the Carabao Cup, Arteta assembled a wealth of offensive talent and even ranted about his offensive move on.
Arteta has picked out other examples of offensive players such as keeper David Raya, defender Gabriel and midfielder Mikel Merino. The Gunners boss said:
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“The centre-backs that attack the most are the most offensive in one phase. Two fullbacks, you look at all the stats. That’s it. We played mainly with players in the midfield during the attack on the right side and played last year at the age of nine.
“So how offensive it is, with nine or more plays in the middle, I haven’t seen it in the league. So I think there are more offensive and different qualities of players who are offensive in some areas than in other areas when it comes to the games we play.
“When I see this football club’s victory record, the goals we scored, the clean sheets we had, the way we played against Manchester City, the territory we played against Manchester City, I can’t waste that opportunity.
“And if the intentions of those comments are better, better for us, not so good for us, it depends on where the comments are coming from, that’s when I can analyze it.
“So, if you have, how can you be dominant against such a team? Handbrake. Domination and handbrake, those are two different words. But I accept everything.
“What is the intention, what is the purpose of it? I had a lot of messages on my phone so they couldn’t believe what we did to Manchester City. People, coaches, managers, CEOs, presidents, etc.
“I’m looking at the players and the people around me. I’m far more filled and fueled than the others who didn’t make it.”
Arteta may also have the chance to hear the changes ring out in Port Vale for Keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to start, and 15-year-old Max Dowman has been ruled out between six and eight weeks.
Arteta added:
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