Danny Murphy has dismissed calls Arsenal have become a “boring” team as “lazy”.
The Gunners are preparing to host title rivals Liverpool on Sunday, with the two teams separated by just four points in the table.
But for Arsenal, this crucial clash comes at probably the worst time.
Liverpool are on an eight-game winning streak in all competitions and have tasted victory in 11 of their 12 games in total this season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, lost 2-0 at Bournemouth last weekend.
To make matters worse, William Saliba was sent off in that game and will serve a suspension on Sunday like Bukayo SakaMartin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are confirmed injured or major doubts.
The Gunners have received three red cards, the most in the League this season, and this, along with their injury problems, has seen them forced to take a defensive approach in a number of games this season.
However, according to Murphy, using this to label Arsenal “boring” is pure laziness.
“No, it’s just a bit of lazy analysis from whoever’s talking about it, they scored 91 goals last season, only beaten by Man City (96),” the former Liverpool midfielder replied when asked. talkSPORT co-host Jim White on whether Arsenal have become “functional”.
“They were free and they scored a lot of goals in a lot of games and they looked like a very creative and good team.
“The last two games where there has been a bit of lethargy, a bit of boring if you want, they haven’t had Odegaard who is their main creator for a long time.
“And also Saka, whose goals and assists are always at the top (of the charts) for Arsenal, has missed games.
“And it must also be taken into account, the three parties that have had expulsions, they have had to defend, they cannot be free and attacking.
“They will score many goals and win many games, I have no doubt about it, he (Arteta) has not changed his style compared to last season, they have only had to adapt because they have played some games. lost a man.”
Arsenal looking to fill Saka/Odegaard void.
While Murphy has fiercely defended Mikel Arteta’s side, he does admit the Spaniard needs to find someone to step up in the absence of Saka and Odegaard.
He compared his absences with Manchester City missing Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, but with Phil Foden able to step up his game to fill the void.
“If you lose your two most creative players in the final third, you’re not going to be as good,” continued Murphy.
“The reality is when Man City went half a season without (Erling) Haaland and (Kevin) De Bruyne, they still win the league, and that’s what everyone else is competing against.
“Because when Haaland doesn’t play for three months, they still win every game, when De Bruyne is gone for half the season, they put Bernardo Silva, (Ilkay) Gundogan, (Phil) Foden in that position, whoever it is, and they keep producing.
“Foden became their main man last season because De Bruyne wasn’t there, Arsenal need someone to step up, and I’m not sure, if Odegaard and Saka are out for too long, there could be a problem”.
