Ex-Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel blasted Arsenal's style of football after their recent loss to Liverpool, but former Gunners star Theo Walcott has come out swinging
Theo Walcott talks on a podcast
Theo Walcott defended Arsenal in light of their defeat to Liverpool
(Image: It's Called Soccer!)
Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has branded Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel as "sour" for his damning comments on Arsenal's style of play in their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta's side registered just one shot on target at Anfield last weekend as a stunning late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick secured the three points for Arne Slot's reigning champions. Afterwards, the former United keeper, who has hit out at the Gunners previously, slammed Arsenal for playing an "ugly brand of football" with their risk-averse approach rattling some pundits.
Walcott, who represented the Gunners from 2005-2018, claimed Arteta's conservative approach against Liverpool had actually worked in Arsenal's opening weekend encounter against Manchester United, where the Gunners won 1-0.
Schmeichel's swipe was actually a result of sour grapes after United had lost that encounter against their rivals, in the eyes of Walcott.
"Well, it worked at Man United so maybe Schmeichel is a bit sour from that result," Walcott said referring to Arsenal's style of play on the It's Called Soccer! podcast. "Because there are times when it works. But the plan in those games is to stay in the game and this is the dynamic, and where I feel Mikel Arteta is at this moment in time."
Peter Schmeichel looks on
Peter Schmeichel was not happy with Arsenal's style of play against Liverpool
(Image: Getty Images)
Referring to the lucrative backing Arteta has had in the transfer market this summer, Walcott added: "He's now equipped, the club have really backed him with investment and now he's got options everywhere but he likes to go back to his [mantra] of, 'We need to stay in the game.'
"I've played with managers, Arsene [Wenger] at times, when you're in the games and you're like, 'Just bring on another forward as this is where you can score more goals.'
"Managers are too afraid of losing and this is the problem, because now he's lost, everyone is going to look at this way and say, 'Well they lost, they weren't adventurous and playing with that freedom.' But it was working up to a certain point."
Arsenal were missing Bukayo Saka, while captain Martin Odegaard was only fit enough for the bench. However, a reliance on set-pieces and corners saw Arsenal lag behind in possession and xG stakes against Liverpool, and Schmeichel was left angered by their approach to the game.
Mikel Arteta's style of football has come under fire
Mikel Arteta's style of football has come under fire(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
"I have never in my life ever wanted a team to win a game of football more than Liverpool today. Arsenal bring an ugly brand of football to our game," he said on Viaplay following Liverpool's 1-0 victory. "I don't want to insult Arsenal but their brand of football is so annoying to watch, it's designed to exploit opponents while waiting for set pieces."
Arsenal have been regarded as set piece specialists for well over a year, and that has helped them win several high-profile games. However, on multiple occasions they've been criticised for being unable to unlock teams with a brand of football that's pleasing on the eye.
Schmeichel's comments were somewhat shared by ex-United defender Gary Neville too. "Same old, same old for those Arsenal fans," he said on commentary for Sky Sports.
"They've seen this before. They look comfortable in a big game, but at this moment in time haven't got that risk in their game, that courage to go and think they can win."
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