Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the remarks made by Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who recently criticised the Gunners’ approach to football following their 3-1 Champions League victory over the Bundesliga champions on Wednesday night.
Kimmich had questioned Arsenal’s footballing method, suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s side rely heavily on set-pieces, long balls, and second-ball battles, while also claiming that Paris Saint-Germain were a far tougher opponent for Bayern this season. The German international argued that Arsenal were more focused on securing results “by any means” rather than playing what he described as traditional, possession-driven football.
Arteta, speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, dismissed the notion that Arsenal’s style stands apart from other elite clubs. He insisted that the Gunners are not the only team capable of adapting their approach based on the demands of high-intensity fixtures.
“I think the way both teams play, I think the way they played against PSG was very similar,” Arteta said when questioned about Kimmich’s assessment.
“When everything becomes man-to-man and the way they are with their full-backs, the way we do what we did in terms of rotation, they create a game that has very long sequences of passes.
“So I know what he’s saying, so that’s fine, it’s part of the game. I think the game is provoked in the manner that both teams play, so it’s very understandable.”
Arsenal, currently pushing hard in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, will now shift their attention to a crucial domestic fixture. The Gunners travel to west London this Sunday for a top-of-the-table Premier League clash against second-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where Arteta’s side will aim to maintain their momentum.
This response from Arteta further highlights Arsenal’s growing tactical versatility, which has been a major talking point among analysts, fans, and rival managers throughout the season.
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