Mikel Arteta Dismisses Kimmich’s Criticism After Arsenal Defeat Bayern

ByFranklin Eke1 day Ago1 Mins read19

Mikel Arteta reacted calmly after Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich questioned Arsenal’s style following the Gunners’ 3-1 win in the Champions League. Kimmich said Arsenal “rely on set pieces” and “love to play long balls,” and added that the match was unlike their meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

Kimmich, while respectful of the result, told reporters that Arsenal felt different to PSG. “Arsenal is completely different [to PSG],” Kimmich said. “They rely on set pieces. They love to play long balls. They love to fight for second balls. It was a completely different game against PSG. Today was not so much about football.”

Arteta laughed off the criticism and pointed out that Arsenal have worked hard on set plays, becoming very effective from dead balls. He accepted that the game at the Parc des Princes and Wednesday’s match shared similar patterns. “The way both teams play, the game they played against PSG was very similar where everything becomes man-to-man and the way they are with their full backs.

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“What we do with our rotation, it creates a game that has very low sequences of passes. I know what [Kimmich] is saying. That’s fine. It’s part of the game. The game is provoked by both team’s games. It’s very understandable.”

Arsenal’s manager also defended the team’s variety. He said the match was shaped by both sides and that differences in style do not mean one approach is inferior.

The win kept Arsenal perfect in the Champions League this season and left them top of the Premier League with a six point lead over Chelsea. Arteta noted the importance of the upcoming London derby and welcomed the challenge. “Obviously it’s a big game, it’s a big London derby,” Arteta said. “We’re going to play a really, really good opponent. They are in really good form and we know the challenge, we know the opportunity that we have as well on Sunday, so we are fully ready for it.”

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The result capped a strong week for Arsenal, following the 4-1 victory over Tottenham, and gave the squad momentum as they prepare for the trip to Stamford Bridge.