Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
Arsenal face Bayern test amid criticism of their playing style
Arsenal have won 10 of 11 games this season, but some critics say their football has looked boring and cautious.
The team has struggled to score freely and to break down opponents who defend deep.
Their latest league win came through an 80th-minute goal against Nottingham Forest, after a match in which they managed one shot on target.
Manager Mikel Arteta says the criticism comes from a small minority and argues that Arsenal have played with more possession and created more chances than last season.
Goalkeeper David Raya says the players are not bothered by the criticism and focus on winning.
Arsenal reached last season’s Champions League final but lost, and Wednesday’s match at Bayern Munich will test their progress in Europe.
Arsenal face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, with the match seen as a test of their progress and playing style.
Critics have questioned Arsenal’s cautious, low-scoring performances, including their win over Nottingham Forest with one shot on target.
Manager Mikel Arteta says criticism comes from a “very small minority” and says his team has improved its possession and attacking play.
Goalkeeper David Raya says the criticism does not irritate the players and points to Arsenal’s record of one defeat in 11 games this season.
Bayern have scored freely, while Arsenal have been praised for their defence and have struggled at times to break down teams defending deep.
- Who
- Arsenal and Bayern Munich, managed by Mikel Arteta and Vincent Kompany.
- What
- They are due to meet in a Champions League match viewed as a test of Arsenal’s progress and style of play.
- When
- Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
- Where
- Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany.
- Why
- The match is seen as a test of Arsenal against a high-scoring European opponent amid criticism that Arsenal’s football is cautious.
Critics of Arsenal's playing style
Mikel Arteta and David Raya
Style of play
Critics of Arsenal's playing style
Critics describe Arsenal’s recent football as cautious, dreary or boring.
Mikel Arteta and David Raya
Arteta says criticism comes from a “very small minority” and says Arsenal have had more possession and shots.
Players' response
Critics of Arsenal's playing style
Critics question whether Arsenal’s approach is entertaining or effective against strong opponents.
Mikel Arteta and David Raya
Raya says the players are not irritated and enjoy playing to win.
Arsenal won the Premier League while conceding the fewest goals in the league and scoring the most from set-pieces.
Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest with an 80th-minute goal from substitute Noni Madueke.
Arteta and Raya spoke about criticism of Arsenal’s playing style ahead of the Bayern match.
Arsenal are due to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League at the Allianz Arena.
- Arsenal's record this season
- 10 wins in 11 games, according to BBC Sport
- Premier League goals
- 11 in seven games so far this campaign
- Nottingham Forest match
- Arsenal won with an 80th-minute goal by Noni Madueke
- Arsenal's shots on target
- One against Nottingham Forest, according to the Independent and Daily Mail
- Bayern match venue
- Allianz Arena, Munich
3 sources
The major flaw in Arsenal’s Champions League blueprint and how Bayern can expose it
Arsenal's meeting with Bayern Munich and Harry Kane is a litmus test in Europe for a team playing ugly football, writes IAN LADYMAN - as David Raya fires back at 'boring' critics
Arsenal criticism from very small minority - Arteta
What people are saying
I think we are talking about a very small minority [criticising the team].
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.