Arsenal’s recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea extended their lead in the Premier League, yet the narrative surrounding the team remains stubbornly focused on perceived flaws, according to club legend Emmanuel Petit.
Petit, witnessing the match alongside former teammate Patrick Vieira, expressed frustration with the media’s tendency to highlight negatives, even amidst undeniable success. He believes a deliberate effort is made to downplay Arsenal’s achievements and focus on shortcomings.
The Gunners’ win was built, in part, on another successful corner kick – their 16th goal from a corner this season, equaling the Premier League record. This reliance on set pieces has drawn criticism, labeled dismissively as “Set Piece FC” by some outlets.
Petit finds this scrutiny infuriating. He argues that securing three points should be celebrated, regardless of *how* they are achieved. The constant negativity, he feels, mirrors a broader trend in news reporting – prioritizing fear and criticism over positivity.
He draws a parallel to watching the news, where negative stories overwhelmingly dominate. Petit passionately believes there’s beauty in football, and a willingness to acknowledge positive aspects is often absent.
The team’s success from corners isn’t a source of concern for manager Mikel Arteta. He points out that many top teams utilize set-piece strategies, including Chelsea themselves, and recognizes their importance in a competitive league.
Arteta emphasized the importance of winning individual battles during set plays, acknowledging the quality of opposition and the potential to both concede and score from them. He views the ability to capitalize on these opportunities as a significant asset.
Arsenal’s current tally of 16 goals from corners ties them with West Brom (2016/17) and Oldham (1992/93) for the most in a single Premier League season, suggesting they are poised to surpass the record before the campaign concludes.
Petit’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that Arsenal’s accomplishments are not receiving the recognition they deserve, overshadowed by a relentless pursuit of negativity within the football media landscape.
