Jamie Carragher lambasts Arsenal 'nonsense' with honest Mikel Arteta progress review

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Arsenal are top of the Premier League with seven games to go, but some critics question their reliance on set pieces - a view Jamie Carragher has branded 'absolute nonsense'Jamie Carragher has dismissed criticism surrounding Arsenal's dependence on set pieces this season as "absolute nonsense." The Gunners currently sit atop the Premier League table with just seven matches remaining, nine points ahead of Manchester City.It has been an almost perfect campaign under Mikel Arteta, who appears poised to deliver the first league crown to north London in over two decades come May - following years of being the proverbial bridesmaid but never the bride. For context, Arsenal have finished second in the league in each of the previous three campaigns, edged out by Pep Guardiola's Sky Blues by just two points in 2023/24 - the nearest they have come to glory in recent years.However, 2025/26 appears to finally be Arteta's year, provided the Spanish tactician continues to extract nothing short of perfection from his squad on the final stretch.

Set pieces have proved a significant element of the Gunners' achievements this time round, with 21 goals from dead balls altogether in the Premier League.READ MORE: Arsenal star 'could be gone' after Max Dowman breakthrough with role in doubtREAD MORE: Thierry Henry embarrasses Liam Rosenior over his response to Alejandro Garnacho incidentThat represents 34.4 per cent of their overall goal haul this term, and is the highest proportion from any of Europe's top five leagues. Speaking on Sky Sports alongside Thierry Henry and David Jones, the Liverpool legend said: "Some of the nonsense that's been spoke about Arsenal from other people in the game about, 'Should there be an asterisk around their name if they win the league,' or, 'I don't recognise them as title [winners],' is absolute nonsense."We analyse football teams on this show every week, all season, every year.

There's no right or wrong way to play football, it's about being the best at what you do."And right now, whether you like it or not as an Arsenal supporter, they're going to be remembered as a set piece team. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.