Danny Murphy has dismissed calls that Arsenal have become a “boring” team as “lazy”.
The gunners are prepares to host title rivals Liverpool Sunday, with the two teams separated by just four points in the standings.
But for Arsenal, this crucial clash comes at arguably the worst time.
Liverpool are on an eight-game winning streak in all competitions and have tasted victory in 11 of their 12 matches in total this season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, lost 2-0 at Bournemouth last weekend.
To make matters worse, William Saliba was sent off during this match and will serve a suspension on Sunday, while like Bukayo SakaMartin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are all either confirmed injured or major doubts.
The Gunners have received a league-high three red cards this season and that, coupled with their injury problems, has forced them to adopt a defensive approach in several games this season.
However, according to Murphy, using this to label Arsenal ‘boring’ is pure laziness.
“No, it’s just a bit of a lazy analysis on the part of the person talking about it, they scored 91 goals last season, and they were only beaten by Man City (96),” replied the former Liverpool midfielder interviewed by talkSPORT co-host Jim White on whether Arsenal has become “functional”.
“They were smooth and scored a lot of goals in a lot of games and looked like a really good, creative team.
“The last two games where there was a bit of lethargy, a bit of boredom if you like, they haven’t had Odegaard for a while who is their main creator.
“And Saka too, whose goals and assists are always at the top (of the charts) for Arsenal, he missed games.
“And you also have to take into account the three games where they were sent off, they had to defend, they can’t be fluid and attack.
“They will score a lot of goals and win a lot of games, I have no doubt, he (Arteta) hasn’t changed his style compared to last season, they just had to adapt because they played some games .lost a man.”
Can Arsenal find their “Phil Foden” to fill the Saka/Odegaard void?
Although Murphy has fiercely defended Mikel Arteta’s side, he admits the Spaniard needs to find someone to step in in the absence of Saka and Odegaard.
He compared their absences to Manchester City missing Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, but Phil Foden being able to step up his game to fill the void.
“If you lose your two most creative players in the final third, you won’t be as good,” Murphy continued.
“The reality is that when Man City has gone half a season without (Erling) Haaland and (Kevin) De Bruyne, they still win the championship, and that’s what everyone is competing with.
“Because when Haaland doesn’t play for three months, they still win every game, when De Bruyne is out for half a season, they put Bernardo Silva, (Ilkay) Gundogan, (Phil) Foden in that position, whatever , and they continue to produce.
“Foden became their main man last season because De Bruyne wasn’t there, Arsenal need someone to step in, and I’m not sure – if Odegaard and Saka are out for too long – then there might be have a problem.”
