Thierry Henry has hit back at criticism over Arsenal's playing style, arguing that Arteta deserves respect for leading the team to the Premier League title. He noted that people used to say Arsenal played "soft" football, and now that they play more aggressively, they're being criticized for not being entertaining. You may not like Arsenal's style, but you have to respect Arteta.

Last season, Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years; however, the Gunners lost to PSG in the Champions League final in May, missing out on the trophy.

Despite these achievements, some still accuse Arsenal of relying too heavily on set pieces. In the match against PSG, Arsenal had just 24.7% possession, setting a record for the lowest possession by a team in a Champions League final since statistics began in 2004, which drew considerable criticism.

During an interview with RMC Sport's Jérôme Rothen, when asked about his frustration with the negative criticism Arsenal has received after winning the title, Henry compared Arsenal's current team to Simeone's Atlético Madrid.

"I wouldn't say I'm angry, but you have to understand that it took Arteta roughly three and a half to four years to refine the team and turn them into title contenders. Building a solid team is never easy, and the club's board chose to trust him and give him time, and he proved to be an excellent manager," Henry replied.

"In the past, when people talked about Arsenal, the feeling was always: we play softly, opponents can walk over us and do what they want, but we play beautiful football."

"But at some point, you have to get past Liverpool and Manchester City. Arteta has worked hard, trying to find ways to catch up with City. Now we play aggressively, we're solid in duels, it's difficult for opponents to create chances, they can't control us easily anymore, and yet some say our style isn't attractive.

"In my opinion, Arsenal went too long without a league title, so sometimes you have to find a way to really win.

"I understand the discussions, there's nothing wrong with that. But when that's our way of playing, the characteristic of our team... then stop constantly questioning it."

"People always ask me if I was surprised by our tactical approach in the Champions League final. My answer is 'not surprised'. The team has often played this way throughout the season, maybe not in every match, but against opponents of this caliber, it's the mentality we adopt.

"It's neither negative nor a surrender; it's just a game strategy. I've seen many teams win all the honours this way, and I've also seen teams lift trophies with a flamboyant attacking style.

"So I really don't understand the controversy. Look at our matches—when we play away, our overall defense is solid, we don't concede many goals, and even when we do, it's mostly in specific situations, that's just how it is.

"Of course, we also lost 0-3 to Brighton, and in that match, the team's defense was nowhere to be found. That only shows that the opponent played at an extremely high level, and Arsenal hasn't conceded three goals without scoring since a long time ago.

"You may not like this style, but you have to respect Arteta. He brought the champion's trophy back to the club, and I respect him for that.

"The playing style may not always be pleasant to watch, but for a long time, teams across Europe feared playing against Atlético Madrid – and that's what Arsenal are like now. Opponents don't want to face us. Over the last four or five years, every time teams played against Atlético, they'd complain: 'Oh no, it's so difficult to score', and now that statement applies to Arsenal as well."

Traduit par IA.

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