David Raya has dismissed criticism of Arsenal’s style of play ahead of their Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich, insisting that winning games matters more than how rival supporters judge the team.
Arsenal have won 10 of their 11 games in all competitions this season, but their performances have prompted questions about their attacking play. Noni Madueke’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, although Mikel Arteta admitted afterwards that his side needed to improve in possession and in the final third.
The debate has followed Arsenal to Munich, where they face a Bayern side that could offer a different test from the defensive opponents they have encountered in the Premier League.
“No it doesn’t,” Raya said when asked whether the criticism bothered him and his teammates.
“People have their own opinions. We have our own opinion. At the end of the day, we have lost one game in 11 this season and if you call that boring or irritating … I don’t know what to say. We enjoy playing football. We enjoy going out there every single day to win football matches and that’s the most important thing.”
Arteta also played down the suggestion that Arsenal’s approach had become a source of widespread dissatisfaction. He argued that the team had offered more variety in attack this season and had made progress in several areas.
“I don’t have that impression [about there being a debate over Arsenal’s style] because I heard it was incredible,” he said. “Because we scored so many goals, we have more possession, more shots, different players participating, no goals from set pieces … so the story is completely different to last year.
“I think we are talking about a very small minority and the other ones they know they have enjoyed a lot the way we have played and dominated games this year. We have proven that, so that’s my opinion.”
The visit to Bayern will give Arsenal an opportunity to show that they can play with greater attacking freedom against one of Europe’s leading sides. Arteta expects the German champions to press forward rather than sit deep, which should create a different set of problems from those Arsenal faced against Forest.
“We know the kind of game that we’re going to play,” he said. “Both teams are very clear on that and we experienced that at the Emirates [last season, when Arsenal won 3-1]. It’s going to be a very similar one in many moments. A low block demands a different kind of game to a high block, to a team that is constantly putting the ball in the last line.”
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The Arsenal manager was also clear that the criticism of Sunday’s performance was not without foundation.
“But still on Sunday, I think we could have done things better and that’s in our hands. We need to recognise that openly, as well.”
Arsenal’s defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League final remains a source of motivation for Arteta. His side lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw, missing the chance to win the European Cup for the first time.
The Spaniard admitted he had struggled to put the result behind him during the summer and said the disappointment had strengthened his desire to return to the final.
“I tried [to get over it] but I haven’t managed to,” he said. “I tried for many weeks during the summer but when I see the ball, the scenes, I hear the music, I want it so badly.
“We know that we have to go step by step but I think that fire is within the team and all of us individually. We know what we had to go through – not being champions of Europe by a penalty. So, let’s try again.”
Raya believes Arsenal are better equipped to control matches against elite European opposition than they were last season. They had only 28% possession in the final against PSG, a figure the goalkeeper put into the context of the occasion and the early goal his side scored.
“You have to see that in perspective, as well. It was our first Champions League final in so many years, we score in the fifth minute and you sit back a little bit knowing how good they are offensively. We didn’t want to give anything away,” he said.
“It is different now. You can see the way we play. You can see different type of ways of playing that we have. We are more prepared this year than last year.”
Arsenal could also benefit from the return of Martin Zubimendi, who is available after an ankle injury. Piero Hincapie is another player Arteta hopes to have back, although the defender’s potential return is more likely to come in the weekend meeting with Everton.
Bayern have their own selection concerns. Michael Olise is suspended, and Vincent Kompany is a doubt after a viral infection that has affected his legs.
The Bayern manager missed Tuesday’s training session and handed responsibility for the pre-match press conference to his assistant, Aaron Danks. Kompany had also been unable to fulfil his media duties after Saturday’s 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig, when sporting director Max Eberl spoke to reporters instead.
Danks said the club were allowing Kompany the time he needed to recover, but could not confirm whether he would be fit to take charge against Arsenal.
“It has affected his legs at times,” Danks said. “He’s felt some pain in his legs. I’m not sure about the reports about him lying down on the couch. I think we can all have a lie down on the couch after a game. It’s just a virus.
“The doctors and experts know way more than I do. The most important thing we have encouraged is that he rests; he takes the time he needs – however long that may be.”
