Ex-Gunner takes aim at media for Arsenal criticism

Last weekend, Arsenal won 2-1 away against Newcastle to close the gap on Liverpool in the title race. In the aftermath of their triumph, we spoke to former Gunner Anders Limpar, who discussed the win and the criticism Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have faced at the start of the season.

Arsenal got an important win at St. James Park against Newcastle, but what has been debated the most in the media is two decisions by referee Jarred Gillett, and Anders Limpar was certainly not happy with him after the match.

The former Sweden international also shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s barren trophy haul, with the Swede being very clear that he believes Arsenal are targeted far more by the media than other clubs.

He also sought to defend Arteta when it came to the Spaniard’s interaction with the media, which has come under criticism in the past couple of weeks.

If you are happy, the media will hang you

Arteta has been criticised for being a bit too snappy from time to time in the media, but Limpar has no doubt that the manager is forced to act that way.

“From my experience as a player, when you are happy the media will hang you. It is exactly the same for a manager. If you are happy and positive, they will hang you.”

“Outside of football Arteta is not grumpy at all, he is actually very happy. I have met him a couple of times and when he is doing interviews, that is not the real Arteta. That is the professional Arteta.”

“All the players and Arteta are media trained. I don`t think he is awkward or grumpy. He is a modern manager who has to be the way he is. If not, the press is actually going to hang you.”

The Swede points out that Arteta, according to Limpar, is always honest, which is a quality he likes about the Arsenal manager.

“Arteta is very honest. He is always honest, and being honest and happy doesn`t really go hand in hand. In my opinion, he is dealing with the media in the right way.”

“I am just happy he is always honest, even when they lose. Even if he is a bit grumpy, I have no problem with that.”

Arsenal are targeted more by the critics than other clubs

Limpar believes that Arsenal gets far more criticism than the other clubs in the Premier League, and he feels a lot of people jump on that bandwagon.

“Over the years, Arsenal have always been targeted by the critics. It is so easy to criticise Arsenal or Arteta. For the last 20-30 years, I just have to say that Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United haven't received the same amount of criticism as Arsenal.”

“For some reason, everybody jumps on the bandwagon when it comes to criticising Arsenal. It is just the way of living in England media wise. I really don't know where it comes from.”

The Swede mentions Arteta as one of the two best managers in Arsenal over the last 100 years, but at the same time, he points out how the media will label him as a failure if he doesn't win silverware this season. With the club priced at 8/15 to win a major trophy during this campaign, you can use our bet365 bonus code if you back the boys from North London to get the job done.

“They love to criticise the club and jump at Arteta. He has taken Arsenal to a Champions League semifinal and finished second in the Premier League three years in a row, even winning the FA Cup.

“That is an unbelievable achievement as a manager but when it comes to Arsenal you have to win. Arteta has to win the Premier League or the Champions League, otherwise he is a failure.”

“In my eyes, he is one of the best managers we have had for over 100 years. It's him and Arsene Wenger at the top. But it is so easy to criticise him.”

Arsenal gave 100% all the way against Newcastle

Arsenal started the match at St. James Park very well, but the home team took the lead in the first half, before Arsenal managed to turn the match around, which impressed Limpar.

“In my opinion, Arsenal started very well against Newcastle. Everybody was on their toes ready to go. It was a tremendous start of the game, and we had some unbelievable chances but all of a sudden Newcastle scored. It wasn't fair that Newcastle was 1-0 up.”

“But the strength I really liked to see in this team is that we are giving 100% all the way, in more than 90 minutes.”

“It was an unbelievably good win and I think it was one of the better matches this season, especially from Viktor Gyokeres.”

The whole world could see a penalty on Gyokeres

The former midfielder concluded by saying that it wasn't fair that Gyokeres and Arsenal didn't get awarded a penalty.

“I'm not biased in any way when I discuss these situations. The whole world could see that Gyokeres should have had a penalty.”

“The other one, as I said, I am not biased, but he can't take his arm away. It should have been a penalty for Gyokeres, but the one where Gabriel is involved isn't a penalty, because he can't take his arm away.”

“But the one on Gyokeres really wasn't fair.”

Read more from when Anders Limpar predicted that Arsenal could win the treble this season