Mikel Arteta’s conservative approach in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City has sparked a wave of criticism, with Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville leading the charge. While the Gunners salvaged a point thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser, many fans and pundits are questioning the manager’s team selection and tactical decisions in a match that could have major title implications.
Carragher Dismantles Arteta’s Tactical Defense
After facing criticism over his perceived negativity, Arteta defended his starting XI by highlighting its attacking potential—citing everything from his goalkeeper’s distribution to the positioning of his full-backs. However, Jamie Carragher wasn’t convinced. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former Liverpool defender dismissed Arteta’s claims as unconvincing and contradictory.
“He’s trying to argue that it’s an attacking lineup, but it’s not holding up,” Carragher said. “The full-backs are essentially centre-backs, and that’s a far cry from an offensive setup. He’s listing players to make a case, but the evidence on the pitch says otherwise.”
Carragher, who has seen his fair share of conservative backlines, compared Arsenal’s current setup to the defensive units he played in—rigid, cautious, and lacking the creative spark fans expect.
Neville Claims to Represent Fan Frustration
Gary Neville echoed Carragher’s sentiments and took things a step further, suggesting that Arteta’s selection didn’t just frustrate pundits—but the entire Arsenal fanbase. Referencing the 70,000 supporters at the Emirates, Neville argued that the crowd’s energy after Martinelli’s equaliser was evidence of pent-up dissatisfaction.
“I don’t think 60 or 70,000 fans can all be wrong,” Neville said. “When they saw that lineup, when they saw Eze benched, Martinelli left out until late again—it’s déjà vu. The same thing happened at Anfield. These are games where you need your match-winners on the pitch.”
Neville also warned that Arteta could come to regret these decisions in the title run-in, especially if Arsenal fall short by a narrow margin. Dropped points in cautious performances against direct rivals could prove costly.
Questions Over Selection Choices
While Arteta insisted his team was set up to attack, critics point to his preference for utility defenders over natural full-backs, and his reluctance to start explosive forwards like Martinelli and Eberechi Eze. The result was a match where Arsenal dominated possession but lacked cutting edge—until Martinelli’s late heroics salvaged a draw.
Fans were left puzzled by the absence of flair players in the starting lineup, especially after Martinelli’s game-winning display in the Champions League earlier that week. Many expected the Brazilian to start, alongside other attacking threats like Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Arteta opted for a more rigid and risk-averse formula.
The Bigger Picture: Arteta’s Balancing Act
Arteta’s insistence that his team was attacking in nature may reflect a deeper strategic dilemma: finding the right balance between control and creativity. Arsenal’s title ambitions hinge on navigating big matches without losing grip—but also without letting opportunities slip by through overly cautious tactics.
If Arsenal are to mount a serious challenge this season, Arteta may need to loosen the reins and trust his attacking talent in high-stakes fixtures. As the pressure mounts, the debate over whether he’s holding his team back is only just heating up.
