Arsenal leads the Premier League with 70 points, holding a 9-point advantage over Man City, though having played one more match. Eight rounds remain in the season.

Despite positive reviews, Arsenal faces criticism for relying on set pieces, particularly given significant squad investment. According to transfer website Transfermarkt, under coach Mikel Arteta's six-year tenure, Arsenal has spent over 1 billion USD on 42 new players. Recently, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel publicly stated he would not recognize Arsenal as champions due to their rough, tactical playing style.

Riccardo Calafiori heads into an open net from a corner in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Man Utd in the first round of the Premier League at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 17/8/2025. Photo: Reuters

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Henry expressed surprise at Arsenal's lack of widespread support in the title race against Man City, a team that has dominated the league, winning six of 8 seasons. He remarked, "Many people think 'anyone but Arsenal should win the league'".

Jamie Carragher also found this phenomenon strange, noting that even Liverpool and Man Utd fans, rivals of Man City, tend to prefer Pep Guardiola's team to win over Arsenal. The former Liverpool defender suggested this could stem from Arteta's playing style, his personality, or the perception of Arsenal fans on social media.

Regardless, Carragher countered the notion that an Arsenal championship would be less convincing if heavily reliant on set pieces. "There is no right or wrong way to play football," the former England international stated. "The important thing is to be the best in your own way."

Henry, meanwhile, stated he does not necessarily like the current playing style but respects the results Arteta has achieved. This season, Arsenal boasts a strong defense but has a lower scoring rate compared to the two seasons prior, when the team was praised for its attractive attacking football. "After 22 years, winning is what matters," he said. "Arteta was asked to find a way, and he has done it."

The French football legend then analyzed that Arsenal is breaking past prejudices of being a soft team prone to squandering leads, by embracing pragmatic victories. The paradox, however, is that as the team evolves for greater effectiveness, they face criticism.

Henry then questioned "Arsenal's identity," noting the club's past successes under various philosophies, from George Graham to Arsene Wenger. He also cited Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in the 2004-2005 season, which was criticized for its pragmatism but still won convincingly, to support his view that winning is the most important measure of success.

Agreeing, Carragher assessed Arteta as a rare case in the Premier League for his flexible adaptation of philosophies. From a style influenced by Pep Guardiola, Arsenal now exhibits a more pragmatic approach, closer to Mourinho's methods. "You rarely see one coach change completely and still succeed," he commented. "Arteta started with one style, then switched to another – and that could help Arsenal clinch the title."

Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)