Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed recent criticism from Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich had commented on Arsenal’s style of play. Arteta insisted that direct football is common. He said it is not unique to the Gunners.
Kimmich spoke after Bayern Munich’s 3-1 Champions League defeat. The match was played at the Emirates on Wednesday. He accused Arsenal of relying too much on set-pieces and long balls. Kimmich felt Arsenal was not Bayern’s toughest opponent this season. He noted PSG as a team playing more fluent football.
Kimmich further stated, “Arsenal do not play football but try to win games by every means possible.”
Arteta addressed these comments on Friday. He spoke during his pre-match press conference. The Spaniard did not take offence. Instead, he highlighted that the match style reflected both teams’ approaches.
Arteta explained, “I think the way both teams play is very similar. This also applies to how they played against PSG.” He continued, “When it’s man-to-man, and with their full-backs, plus our rotations, it creates a game. This game features very long sequences of passes.”
He added, “I understand what he is saying. That’s fine; it’s part of the game.” Arteta concluded, “The game’s character is shaped by how both teams play. It is very understandable.”
Arsenal will now focus on the Premier League. They travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. There, they will face second-placed Chelsea.
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