Wayne Rooney Defends Arsenal Playing Style and Makes Premier League Title Claim

Wayne Rooney responds to criticism of Arsenal playing style and shares his thoughts on the Premier League title race, with Manchester City still chasing.

Wayne Rooney has come to the defence of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta following criticism of the team’s pragmatic style during their Premier League title race.

The Gunners currently hold a seven-point lead at the top of the table after grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory away to Brighton. Despite their strong position, some pundits and managers have questioned the way Arsenal are winning matches.

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Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew suggested that any title win could come with an “asterisk” due to what he described as a functional and overly professional approach. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler also criticised Arsenal’s tactics after their meeting at the Amex Stadium, claiming Arteta’s team were “making their own rules” and not attempting to play football.

Rooney, however, strongly disagrees with those views.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, the former Manchester United and England captain praised Arsenal’s performances this season and insisted their approach deserves respect.

“I’ve heard a lot of people talk about Arsenal and the way they play, but I think they’ve been brilliant.”  Rooney said,

He argued that successful teams often adapt their style depending on the situation and that Arsenal’s approach is simply another example of effective football.

“Football can be played in different ways. Manchester City have had periods where they were incredible to watch, and the same happened with my Manchester United teams.”

Rooney believes Arsenal have built a balanced side capable of winning games in multiple ways.

“They’ve got a good mix of players who can score goals, they’re difficult to play against and they keep clean sheets. I actually enjoy watching them play.”

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Strength Praised

One aspect of Arsenal’s play that has drawn criticism from rivals is their strong reliance on set pieces.

However, Rooney believes this is simply smart football rather than something negative.

“Set pieces are part of the game,” he explained. “Why wouldn’t you use them?”

Arsenal have become one of the most dangerous teams in the league from dead-ball situations, regularly loading the penalty area with physical players.

Rooney believes opponents should focus on stopping them rather than complaining.

“If teams aren’t good enough or don’t have the players to deal with it, Arsenal should keep doing it. If I was Mikel Arteta, I’d probably do it even more.”

While Rooney defended Arsenal, he also refused to rule Manchester City out of the Premier League title race.

City still have a game in hand and will host Arsenal later in the season, which could prove crucial in the battle for the trophy.

“I don’t think the Premier League is out of reach for Manchester City,” Rooney said. “They’re still very much in the title race.”

Pep Guardiola’s side have dominated English football in recent years, meaning many observers still believe they are capable of mounting a late challenge.

Rooney’s View on Arsenal’s Title Push

Rooney has spoken positively about Arsenal throughout the season and has previously said he hopes the club ends its long wait for a league title.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League since 2004, when Arsène Wenger’s famous “Invincibles” side completed an unbeaten campaign.

According to Rooney, one of the strengths of the current squad is their collective mentality rather than reliance on a single superstar.

He believes the team’s organisation, defensive strength and ability to grind out results could prove decisive during the final stretch of the season.

With the campaign entering its final weeks, Arsenal remain in a strong position both domestically and in Europe.

Arteta’s side topped their Champions League league phase with a perfect record and are still unbeaten in the competition.

In the Premier League, they also have favourable fixtures ahead, starting with an upcoming clash against Everton.

If Arsenal can maintain their defensive solidity and continue to take advantage of set-piece opportunities, they could finally secure the trophy that has eluded them for more than two decades.

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