No-one associated with Arsenal will care a jot if they go on to win the title - and those who don't like how they play football should turn off and watch someone else
20:48, 03 Mar 2026Updated 20:48, 03 Mar 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's side are getting the job done
Sir Nick Faldo won six Major titles - and remains the UK's most successful golfer of all time when it comes to the biggest titles.
And in the process of doing so, being exciting, interesting and popular was never part of the plan. As he proved at Muirfield in 1987, when he parred all 18 holes in the final round, to claim the first of his three Open Championships.
At the time, watching Faldo grind his way around the Scottish links felt longer than a week in prison. But the man himself couldn't care less. He'd achieved what he'd set out to do. Win the most treasured prize in his sport.
Sir Nick Faldo health update shared on social media
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Sir Nick Faldo never played with a flashy style(Image: Getty Images)
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The chances are few will recall who finished runner up to Faldo. The answer, for the record, is Paul Azinger. The dashing American had panache, personality and a poisonous wit at times, not least where his arch rival Faldo was concerned.
But what good did this do him? Azinger left Scotland with the silver salver, while Faldo cradled the Claret Jug. That's the thing about sport. No-one remembers who comes second.
Because competition is all about winning. Which might explain why critics are queuing round the block to criticise Arsenal current brand of football.
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There wouldn't even be a debate to be had if Mikel Arteta's side were fourth in the Premier League table, instead of first.
Some people can't understand how someone in the shape of Arteta, who spent five years playing under Arsene Wenger and four years coaching under Pep Guardiola, can resort to tactics more akin to what Tony Pulis used to produce at Stoke.
The answer is simple. His previous approach and ideologies didn't get the job done. Arteta has become sick of being the bridesmaid - and has decided to adopt an approach more akin to his team's strengths. One he believes will work.
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta is looking to lead Arsenal to their first title in over two decades(Image: Getty Images)
And if it wins him the title, so be it. The bottom line is that if neutrals don't like the football Arteta and Arsenal are producing - then don't watch it.
Across north London not too long ago, Tottenham supporters were left in dreamland after Ange Postecoglou led the club to a Europa League triumph.
The victory over Manchester United in the final in Bilbao was bad enough to make your eyes bleed. But not one single supporter criticised the performance.
Because Tottenham had won. Arsenal might be punching, pulling and grappling their way to the title.
But if they go on to become champions in a few months time, no-one associated with the club will give too hoots about how it was achieved, or what anyone else thinks about how it was achieved.
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And that's how it should be. Yes, supporters go to watch their favourite teams or sportspeople to be entertained. But this is just a bonus, because ultimately they do so to watch them win.
"It's the taking part that counts" is not a sporting maxim. It's a complete myth. And always will be.