Arsenal have come under fire this season for their style of play under Mikel Arteta, who has focused on being rigid defensively and being dangerous from set-pieces in a bid to bring success
Former Arsenal Invincible Gael Clichy has admitted concern over Mikel Arteta‘s “lack of ambition” at the Emirates, claiming the team are “excited not to lose a game”.
Clichy was part of the Gunners squad that went the entire 2003-04 Premier League season without losing a game as they won the title under Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman played 264 times for Arsenal and became known as one of the best left-backs in world football during his time in north London before joining Manchester City in 2011.
Now aged 40, Clichy said the identity of Wenger’s exciting passing style that he brought to Arsenal had disappeared. The team have taken a more pragmatic approach with a focus on being rigid in defence and an emphasis on set-pieces.
Speaking to Metro, he said: “Arsenal is coming to a place where the idea and identify of Arsene Wenger’s football is not seen much anymore.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta’s transfer wish granted by Arsenal board after he admitted ‘we need players’READ MORE: ‘Arsene Wenger said I was one of his best players ever – but I never made Arsenal debut’
“We don’t talk about how well Arsenal played these days, we talk about how difficult they are to break down or how impressive they are on set pieces.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic and it’s part of the game you need to exploit but if we talk about what Arsenal used to be and what Arsenal is today, there’s nothing to compare anymore.
“We have to accept the manager wants something different. And maybe with the wingers and striker we have, we see more of this old-school way. But we also have to tell it like it is – we have also maybe seen a lack of ambition from Arsenal as a club and from Mikel.”
Clichy referenced Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool last time out and said they failed to capitalise on a shaky start to the season by the Reds and said they were too focused on not losing games. He said Arteta’s side won’t be successful until he “adjusts” his methods and brings a new mentality to the team.
“When you look at that game against Liverpool, you can see a team that is not concerned about winning but a team excited not to lose a game. This is very subtle but this is a massive difference for a team that is competing for the title. So hopefully this will change with the players they have now.
“Liverpool started the season very fragile, giving up opportunities. But Arsenal did not exploit that, they did not want to hear it. This is the part where Mikel needs to adjust.
“Yes, you will win points, I have heard him saying how they are the team who have won the most points over the last three years. But you haven’t won anything. It is not a question about points, it is going to those places and getting the win.”
This weekend Arsenal travel to the City Ground to face a tough test against Nottingham Forest, who have just appointed former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
