Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Fires Back At Jamie Carragher Over ‘Handbrake’ Jibe

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has laughed off accusations that he plays with the “handbrake on,” insisting that his philosophy is among the most attacking in the Premier League.

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher had criticised Arsenal for a cautious approach against Manchester City at the weekend. Carragher claimed that Arteta’s team selection and tactics showed a preference for safety over ambition.

However, ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup trip to Port Vale, Arteta defended his methods, emphasizing the attacking qualities of his squad. He highlighted goalkeeper David Raya, defender Gabriel, and midfielder Mikel Merino as examples of players who actively contribute to forward play.

“For sure, if you look at the players that we have, starting from the keeper—very attacking goalkeeper, the most attacking goalkeeper in the league by far,” Arteta said.

“The centre-backs, the most attacking one in one phase, the most attacking one. The two full-backs—you look at every stat, that’s it. We mainly play with a player on the right-hand side attacking midfield; he played as a nine last year.

“So how attacking that is—more than a nine playing in midfield—I haven’t seen it in the league. We have a lot of attacking talent with different qualities, some of them more talented in certain areas than others in relation to the game that we play.”

Arteta also pointed to the club’s recent winning record, goal-scoring stats, and clean sheets as proof of Arsenal’s offensive approach, noting that even in high-pressure matches like the one against Manchester City, his team demonstrates an attacking mindset.

“I cannot waste the opportunity to highlight that,” Arteta concluded, sending a clear message to critics that Arsenal’s philosophy is forward-focused and results-driven.