Martin Keown Fires Back at Paul Scholes Over Arsenal Title Claim

Arsenal legend Martin Keown rejects Paul Scholes criticism as Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad edge closer to Premier League glory.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has dismissed Paul Scholes’ claim that Mikel Arteta’s side would be the “worst team” to win the Premier League, branding the criticism as malicious noise intended to distract a squad focused solely on the title race. With Arsenal holding a commanding lead at the summit, Keown has urged the players to ignore external commentary and keep their eyes on the prize.

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes sparked debate when he questioned the quality of Arsenal’s forward line, despite their position at the top of the table. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes argued that Arsenal lack the attacking firepower of previous champions and insisted that only Bukayo Saka deserves a place in a team of the season.

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Scholes pointed to Arsenal’s modest open-play goal return, arguing that a reliance on set-pieces and defensive structure undermines their claim as dominant champions. His comments quickly gained traction across social media and pundit circles, dividing opinion among fans and former players alike.

Martin Keown Labels Criticism “Mischievous”

Keown, a key member of Arsenal’s iconic Invincibles squad, wasted no time dismissing the remarks. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former defender insisted that how a title is won is irrelevant once silverware is secured.

“You’ve got to shut that noise out,” Keown said. “People mischievously saying this would be the worst team to win it — it doesn’t matter. You just go and win it.”

Drawing on lessons from Arsène Wenger, Keown stressed the importance of ignoring favourites’ tags and media narratives during the decisive stages of a title race.

Arsenal’s credentials are built on a formidable defensive foundation. Arteta’s side boast the league’s best defensive record, conceding just 17 goals in 23 matches, while grinding out crucial wins when rivals have slipped up.

Victories such as the recent win at Elland Road allowed Arsenal to extend their lead after both Manchester City and Aston Villa dropped points, reinforcing their grip on the title race. While attacking numbers remain a talking point, results continue to favour the Gunners.

Keown also highlighted the psychological impact Arsenal could have on their closest challengers in the coming weeks. With the chance to stretch their lead further, he suggested pressure would inevitably shift onto chasing sides.

“Make it nine points and let them sit with that overnight,” Keown explained. “That’s when doubts start creeping in.”

His comments underline the growing belief within Arsenal circles that this squad has the mentality required to finally cross the line after several near misses.

Scholes’ View Challenged by Fellow United Legends

Scholes’ assessment has not gone unchallenged among his former teammates. Steve Bruce, another Manchester United title winner, publicly disagreed with the analysis, praising Arsenal’s balance across the pitch and their overall consistency.

Bruce argued that while attacking improvements could still come, Arsenal remain strong “in all departments” and possess the quality needed to secure major honours this season.

Arteta’s Arsenal Focused on Results, Not Labels

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into disciplined, resilient contenders who prioritise outcomes over aesthetics. Despite criticism following defeats to Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United, Arsenal responded with composure to restore their lead at the top.

With decisive fixtures ahead, the Gunners have an opportunity to turn defensive dominance into historic success — and silence critics like Scholes in the process.

For Keown, the message is simple: titles are remembered, opinions are not.

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