Arsenal Legend Fires Back at Critics Amid Gunners Title Charge

Arsenal legend hits back at critics as Mikel Arteta’s side remain top of the Premier League.

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has fired back at critics questioning the Gunners’ performances, insisting there is an unfair “agenda” against Mikel Arteta’s side despite their position at the top of the Premier League title race.

With Arsenal leading the Premier League title race by two points over Manchester City as of December 19, the former left-back believes the scrutiny surrounding recent wins has been excessive and misplaced.

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Speaking after the match in an interview with OLBG, Winterburn reflected on Arsenal’s narrow but vital win over Wolves. He brushed aside criticism surrounding set-pieces and own goals, insisting that such narratives overlook the broader significance of the result.

“Every team has moments like that,” Winterburn said. “But when it’s Arsenal, it suddenly becomes a major talking point. I genuinely feel there’s an agenda against Arsenal.”

The former defender, who won three league titles during his playing career at the club, believes Arsenal’s achievements are being undermined simply because they are leading the race.

Set-Pieces Are Not a Weakness

Much of the criticism has centred on Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces, an area where Arteta’s side has excelled this season. Winterburn strongly rejected the suggestion that this reflects a flaw.

“Set-pieces are part of football,” he explained. “If you’re good at them and they win you games, that’s smart football — not something to criticise.”

Under Arteta, Arsenal have turned dead-ball situations into a genuine weapon, often deciding tight matches where margins are fine.

Winterburn also praised Arteta’s work in building discipline, resilience, and belief within the squad — qualities he feels are essential in a title race.

“Teams don’t always win pretty,” he added. “Sometimes you have to grind results out. That’s exactly what title-winning sides do.”

From the emergence of Bukayo Saka to the leadership of Declan Rice, Arsenal have combined youth with authority, helping them remain consistent during a congested fixture schedule.

Rivals Chasing, Arsenal Leading

Manchester City remain Arsenal’s closest challengers, while Liverpool continue to hover in contention. However, Winterburn believes Arsenal deserve more credit for staying ahead rather than being questioned for how they do it.

“People are quick to jump on anything negative,” he said. “But the reality is Arsenal are top of the league — and that’s not by accident.”

As the festive fixtures approach, pressure will increase. Winterburn’s message is clear: Arsenal must ignore the outside noise and stay focused on results.

If Arteta’s side continue delivering points, criticism will matter little. The league table, after all, tells its own story.

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