In defence of Arsenal - is criticism of Premier League leaders unfair?
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In defence of Arsenal - BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty asks is the criticism of the Premier League leaders unfair as they chase four trophies?
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In defence of Arsenal - is criticism of Premier League leaders unfair? By Phil McNulty Chief football writer Published 13 minutes ago 22 Comments Arsenal 's barren sequence of nearly 26 years without a Premier League title stretching back to Arsene Wenger's "Invincibles" has been littered with accusations they were style over substance, a soft touch – lacking what is commonly called "bottle". The modern-day Gunners now stand nine games from ending that tortuous wait for glory, five points ahead of Manchester City , who have a game in hand. Arsenal also finished top of the Champions League standings with eight wins from eight games. They play City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, and are overwhelming favourites for their FA Cup fifth round tie at League One side Mansfield Town. If the cards fall, Arsenal could yet complete the greatest campaign in their club's history. And yet, the tables have been turned on Arsenal , with Arteta's side now being labelled as dull and over-pragmatic, relying on set piece expertise rather than a purist style in their bid to win the title. The final judgement on this will be shaped at the end of the season – but if the name of the game is winning then Arsenal are doing it right. Those who do not like it may not be surprised to be told to lump it if it leads to that long overdue success. 'Ugly' or 'beautiful'? Set-pieces prove decisive for Arsenal again Published 1 day ago How can football's lawmakers fix the corner chaos? Published 21 hours ago Arsenal digging deep to show character There were nerves in Sunday's 2-1 win at home to Chelsea, but Arsenal have responded to throwing away a 2-0 lead at doomed Wolverhampton Wanderers with that result, following on from an emphatic 4-1 triumph in the north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur . This was show of character demanded by outside observers, yet more brickbats came their way for scoring both goals from corners. It was fresh ammunition for those decrying Arsenal as one-dimensional, bu...
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