Paul Scholes has publicly walked back his earlier criticism of Arsenal after Mikel Arteta's side finally secured the Premier League title for the first time since 2004, admitting he may have been too harsh during their mid-season wobble.
Earlier in the campaign, the Manchester United legend had questioned whether any team 'deserved' to win the league, arguing that no side had produced consistently convincing football. But with Arsenal finishing seven points clear of Manchester City after a dramatic run-in, Scholes has now acknowledged that perspective was unfair in hindsight.
Scholes Reflects on Earlier Remarks
Speaking on the 'Good, the Bad and the Football' podcast, Scholes reflected on his earlier remarks and admitted the emotional pressure of the title race influenced how he assessed the Gunners' performances. He explained that although the season may not have been the most entertaining at times, Arsenal showed a crucial ability to deliver results when it mattered most. That, he admitted, is what ultimately defines champions.
'It wasn't the most entertaining, but when you look back, there was a lot of pressure from them to get over the line. They've done it in a different way and you can see that. It's not easy to win the Premier League. I was a bit harsh and a bit tough, but the question now is can they go on and dominate English football?' Scholes said.
Arsenal's Winning Formula Earns Respect
While Scholes initially criticised Arsenal for a lack of free-flowing football, he now accepts that their success came from a different kind of strength, one built on discipline, mentality, and game management under pressure. He also suggested that Arsenal's ability to withstand pressure after multiple near misses in previous seasons made their triumph even more significant, especially as rivals Manchester City pushed them until the final stretch.
The former midfielder now believes Arsenal's achievement should not be underestimated simply because it did not follow a traditional style of dominant, expressive football. Looking ahead, Scholes issued a subtle warning to Arsenal's rivals, suggesting that this title win could mark the beginning of a stronger and more consistent era for Mikel Arteta's squad.
Future Prospects for Arsenal
The Manchester United legend praised Arsenal's squad's potential for improvement, insisting the Gunners still have room to grow and will likely strengthen further in the transfer market. According to him, the most important breakthrough has already happened, which is learning how to win.
Arsenal now shifts focus to a massive Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, their first appearance in the showpiece since 2006. In another development, Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh has revealed when he knew Arsenal would win the Premier League title long before they eventually did.
