Jermain Defoe on Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has likened Arsenal’s attacking style under Mikel Arteta to the legendary “Invincibles” of Arsène Wenger’s era, following their commanding 5-2 victory over West Ham on Saturday evening.
The Gunners delivered a scintillating first-half display at the Emirates, with Gabriel Magalhaes opening the scoring in the 10th minute with a towering header from a corner. Leandro Trossard finished off a flowing team move to double the lead, before Martin Ødegaard converted a penalty to make it 3-0. Kai Havertz added a fourth after latching onto Trossard’s incisive through ball and slotting past Lukasz Fabianski.
West Ham managed to respond with goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and an exquisite Emerson free-kick, but Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s dominance by converting a second penalty just before halftime.
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The win leaves Arsenal in second place on the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Defoe compared Arsenal’s current attacking approach to the fluid and unselfish style that defined Wenger’s unbeaten 2003/04 squad. “The way Arsenal are playing at the minute reminds me of the Invincibles,” Defoe said.
Arsenal
Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Back then, you had Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole, Robert Pires—all so unselfish. They vacated space, passed across goal, and finished with ease. You see that same unselfishness now in how they’re scoring their goals.”
Defoe also highlighted Arsenal’s self-belief as a key factor in their title challenge, suggesting they could capitalise on any missteps by Liverpool. “Liverpool are flying right now, playing great football and winning games,” he noted. “But Arsenal just need to focus on themselves. When you’re scoring goals like this, you go into every game believing you’ll win, no matter the opponent.
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“They’ve got that vibe now where everyone is contributing, playing well, and scoring freely. That kind of belief is huge in a title race.”
Defoe credited Mikel Arteta’s meticulous coaching for the team’s success. “Arteta’s attention to detail is incredible. He spends hours on the training ground, perfecting the way they play. It shows in how cohesive they are in attack and defense,” Defoe added.
He acknowledged Arsenal’s consistency over recent seasons, despite occasional setbacks. “They’ve had blips, which is normal over a season, but on their day, they can score five or six goals. The quality they have in forward areas is exceptional, and it’s why they’re genuine title contenders.”
Arsenal will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Wednesday, aiming to close the gap on Liverpool and keep their title ambitions alive.
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