Arteta: criticism of Arsenal’s style comes from a 'very small minority'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said criticism of his side's playing style is coming from a "very small minority" after the Gunners required an 80th-minute Noni Madueke goal to beat Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, and pointed to the club's broader run of form after they won 10 out of 11 games this season.

Arteta, who led Arsenal to the Premier League title and the Champions League final last season, acknowledged his team have not been scoring freely and have found it difficult to break down opponents who defend deep. The side have scored just 11 goals in seven Premier League games so far and, unlike last term when they scored most from set-pieces, they have not registered a set-piece goal yet this campaign.

On the debate about Arsenal's style, Arteta said: "I don't have that impression because I heard that the style was incredible. We have scored so many goals, we have more possession, more shots, different players participating, no goals on set-pieces. So the story is completely different to last year." He added: "I think we are talking about a very small minority [criticising the team]. I think the other ones, they know. I think they have enjoyed a lot the way we have played and dominated games this year. And I think we have proven that."

Arteta flagged a tactical challenge when facing compact defences, saying: "The low block demands a different kind of game to the high block. A team that is constantly putting the ball in the last line. It's different." He also reflected on Sunday’s performance, saying: "I think it requires something different to the team. Still, I think on Sunday, we could have done things better. And that's in our hands. And we need to recognise that openly as well."

Goalkeeper David Raya rejected the notion that the squad are frustrated by outside criticism and pointed to the results as evidence. "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," he said, adding: "We enjoy playing football. We enjoy going out there every single day to win football matches, and that's the most important thing."

Arsenal now prepare for a Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.