Darragh MacAnthony Hits Back at Paul Scholes Over Arsenal Premier League Claim

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony defends Arsenal and shuts down Paul Scholes’ “worst champions” claim.

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has fired back at Paul Scholes after the Manchester United legend claimed Arsenal would be the “worst team to ever win the Premier League” if they lift the title this season.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Fan Club, MacAnthony dismissed Scholes’ comments and insisted that no club should ever be diminished for winning English football’s toughest prize.

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Scholes reignited controversy earlier this week when he questioned the quality of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side amid the ongoing title race. The former United midfielder argued that Arsenal lack attacking flair and suggested only one player would make his Team of the Season.

“If Arsenal win the league, this could be the worst team to win it,” Scholes said, adding that their style of play fails to match previous champions.

The remarks quickly divided opinion, especially with Arsenal sitting near the top of the table and firmly in control of their own destiny.

MacAnthony’s Blunt Response on Sky Sports

MacAnthony did not hold back when asked about Scholes’ comments live on Sky Sports. The outspoken chairman suggested the criticism was more about relevance than reality.

“I think Paul Scholes does his best to stay relevant as a pundit,” MacAnthony said. “You cannot diminish anybody who wins the Premier League. I don’t care what you call them — boring, lucky, worst ever — their name still goes on the trophy.”

His comments have since gone viral among Arsenal supporters.

MacAnthony stressed that the Premier League’s demands make any title win significant. He pointed to the relentless 38-game schedule, elite competition, and financial power of clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool as reasons no champion should be mocked.

“When people look back in 20 years, nobody will remember how it was won,” he added. “They’ll remember who won it.”

Fans were quick to highlight that Scholes himself won a Premier League title with Manchester United on just 75 points during the 1996–97 season — still the lowest points total by a champion in league history.

Former United captain Steve Bruce has already labelled Scholes’ take “rubbish,” while Arsenal legend Ian Wright strongly defended his former club, forcing Scholes to soften his stance slightly in later appearances.

What This Means for Arsenal

Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League title since the famous Invincibles season of 2003–04. While Arteta’s side has been labelled “controlled” rather than spectacular, they remain consistent, resilient, and difficult to beat.

MacAnthony’s defence reinforces a simple truth: history remembers champions, not opinions.

If Arsenal finish the job in May, they will join the likes of Blackburn Rovers (1995) and Leicester City (2016) — teams once questioned, but now forever remembered as winners.

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