Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (44), who is leading the table, responded in a short, sharp line to harsh criticism from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes (52).
CaughtOffside reported on the 3rd (Korea time) that Arteta, at an official news conference, shrugged his shoulders and simply replied "ooak" when asked about Scholes's increasingly aggressive comments that Arsenal's recent football is "boring."
Arsenal are racing at the top this season. Many experts predict Arsenal will end three straight runner-up finishes and lift the title for the first time in 22 years since the 2003-04 season.
But some experts have criticized Arsenal's tactics and style of play this season, saying Arsenal football has become less entertaining compared with before.
In particular, Scholes's sharp standard appears unusually harsh toward Arsenal. But Arteta showed his trademark confidence, appearing not to care about the opponent's criticism.
Arteta drew a clear line against outside negative opinion, saying, "I am hearing only positive things from football people across Europe," sending a message that Scholes's opinion does not affect his judgment.
The outlet acknowledged that Arsenal's football is different in texture from the flashy, free-flowing attacking football of former manager Arsène Wenger (77). But it recognized Arteta's Arsenal on the grounds that the results are clear.
Arsenal are currently first in the league (53 points). They are six points ahead of second-place Manchester City (47 points). They are headed for the Carabao Cup final, and notably they are the only team in the UEFA Champions League group stage to have won all eight matches.
If Wenger's Arsenal of the past was criticized as "beautiful but not getting results," today's Arsenal appears to have thoroughly learned how to win. In fact, evaluations say Arteta's "pragmatism" has effectively put Arsenal back on track.
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