Arsenal solidified their position at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium, extending their lead to 10 points. Manchester City’s draw against relegation-threatened West Ham later that evening left the Gunners nine points clear with just seven matches remaining.
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The North London club appears poised to end their 22-year Premier League title drought. They also face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, offering a chance for their first trophy of the season.
Henry Questions Neutral Fan Support
Thierry Henry stated on Monday Night Football that neutral fans show little support for Arsenal in either the title race or the cup final. “A lot of people are like, anything but Arsenal winning the league,” Henry remarked. He added that while fans often root for underdogs like Liverpool, sentiment differs for Arsenal.
“Whether I like Liverpool or not, you root for the underdog, the team that couldn’t do it, or failed to win the league. (But) a lot of people don’t want Arsenal to win the league,” Henry explained.
Carragher Echoes Concerns
Jamie Carragher concurred, describing the reaction as “very strange.” He suggested that even in the Carabao Cup final against dominant Manchester City, neutrals may favor the champions over Arsenal.
“When you have a team like Man City, who have dominated the past era, most neutrals want the underdog – the team who want the battle. But it doesn’t feel that way with Arsenal,” Carragher noted. “There is something about Arsenal, and the way they’ve gone about it, whether it’s the style of football, whether it’s Arteta on the side of the pitch, there is something about them – maybe it’s the fanbase, they get a bit of criticism – that maybe rubs people up the wrong way.”
Criticism of Playing Style
As the season intensifies, Mikel Arteta’s side faces scrutiny over their approach, with some accusing them of prioritizing wins over flair. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler criticized Arsenal after their 1-0 win earlier this month, claiming, “There was only one team who tried to play football today. There was so many actions (of time-wasting).”
Hürzeler continued, “In the end, it’s about the rules. If the Premier League, the referee, allows everything, then it is difficult. They (Arsenal) make their own rules.”
Defenders Praise Performance
Everton manager David Moyes, who once coached Arteta at Goodison Park, defended the leaders. “Arsenal have been excellent from the first game of the season. Probably maybe outside PSG, the biggest favourites for the Champions League,” Moyes said.
“It’s amazing people have been critical… They’re in a great position, have been all season, winning the games,” he added, noting their strong squad and set-piece prowess.
