Wayne Rooney Defends Arsenal’s Tactics & Criticizes ‘Unfair’ Criticism | Premier League News

LONDON – As Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years, the team’s tactics and style of play have reach under increased scrutiny. Despite sitting seven points clear at the top of the table as of March 9, 2026, criticism has mounted, particularly regarding their reliance on set-pieces and perceived time-wasting. Now, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has come to the defense of Mikel Arteta’s side, labeling the criticism as “very unfair.”

The Gunners’ impressive league position – 67 points from 30 matches – has been met with a wave of debate. While their results speak for themselves, some rival managers and pundits have questioned the aesthetic appeal of their football. Following a recent match against Brighton, Arsenal faced accusations of bending the rules and deliberately slowing down play.

However, Rooney, speaking on his BBC podcast, firmly believes Arsenal are deserving of praise. “I’ve heard a lot of people talking about Arsenal and the way they’re playing, but I believe they’ve been brilliant,” Rooney stated. “Football is played in different ways. Man City have had spells when they were absolutely incredible, the same for my Man United team. But Arsenal have got a good mix, they’ve got different players who score goals, they’re hard to play against, they keep clean sheets. I actually enjoy watching them play.”

A significant portion of the criticism centers around Arsenal’s effectiveness from set-piece situations. This season, 22 of their 59 goals have originated from dead-ball scenarios, with 16 coming directly from corners. While undeniably effective, this reliance has drawn ire from opponents who believe Arsenal are pushing the boundaries of what is permissible within the rules. Set pieces have accounted for 27.1% of all Premier League goals this season, excluding penalties, sparking a league-wide discussion.

Rooney specifically addressed the concerns surrounding Arsenal’s set-piece prowess, arguing that exploiting any legal advantage is a smart tactical move. “Bola mati adalah bagian dari sepakbola, kenapa Anda tidak memanfaatkannya?” (Set pieces are part of football, why wouldn’t you take advantage of them?) he reportedly said, echoing a sentiment of maximizing opportunities within the confines of the game. “They put a lot of players in the box. If teams aren’t clever enough or don’t have players who can deal with it, why should Arsenal stop doing it?”

The former England captain went on to suggest that if he were in Arteta’s position, he would even *increase* their focus on set-pieces. “If I was Arteta, I’d do it even more. That’s part of the game and I like it. They don’t have to change anything.” He acknowledged that Arsenal may not be scoring as many goals from open play as some might prefer, but emphasized their ability to find alternative routes to victory.

This isn’t the first time Rooney has weighed in on the Premier League title race. His perspective, as a former star for Manchester United and a player who experienced the pressures of competing at the highest level, carries significant weight. He understands the importance of winning, regardless of style, and believes Arsenal are prioritizing results effectively.

The debate surrounding Arsenal’s tactics highlights a broader discussion within the Premier League about the evolving nature of the game. While some value aesthetically pleasing football, others prioritize pragmatism and efficiency. Arteta’s Arsenal appear to fall firmly into the latter category, and Rooney’s defense suggests a growing acceptance of this approach, particularly when it yields success.

The Gunners’ upcoming schedule will be a crucial test of their title credentials. With Manchester City closely pursuing, every point will be vital. Arsenal’s ability to maintain their form and navigate the challenges ahead will ultimately determine whether they can complete their 22-year wait for a Premier League championship. Their next fixture is against a challenging opponent, and the pressure will be on to deliver another positive result.

As the season progresses, the scrutiny on Arsenal is likely to intensify. However, with influential figures like Wayne Rooney publicly backing their approach, Arteta’s team can draw confidence from the support and focus on continuing their impressive run of form. The debate over their style of play may continue, but for now, Arsenal are firmly in control of their destiny.

What’s Next: Arsenal will face [Opponent and Date – *to be verified and added*] in a crucial Premier League match. The game will be played at [Venue – *to be verified and added*] with a kickoff time of [Time – *to be verified and added*] local time ( [UTC Time – *to be verified and added*]).

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