Manchester United Icon Steve Bruce Defends Arsenal Against Scholes' Title Criticism
Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce has delivered a robust defence of Arsenal's title credentials, directly contradicting claims made by his old teammate Paul Scholes that the Gunners could become the "worst team" to ever win the Premier League.
Scholes' Controversial Assessment of Arsenal's Title Challenge
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes had launched a scathing assessment of Arsenal's attacking capabilities, suggesting that if Mikel Arteta's side were to win the league this season, they could be remembered as the poorest champions in Premier League history.
"If Arsenal win the league, this could be the worst team to win the league," Scholes declared. "If you're thinking of picking a team of the season and picking the front four, nobody from the Arsenal team gets in that."
The former England midfielder pointed to Arsenal's relatively modest goal-scoring record from open play this season, with the club currently sitting 17th in that particular statistic. He noted that own goals currently rank as Arsenal's third-highest scoring source this campaign, behind only Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard.
Bruce's Forceful Rebuttal on talkSPORT
Bruce, who shared a dressing room with Scholes during the early years of the "Class of '92" at Manchester United, offered a completely contrasting perspective during an appearance on talkSPORT alongside Ally McCoist.
"No! I don't know where Scholesy is getting that one from, I have to say," the former United centre-back responded emphatically. "We have to question it, too, because Arsenal are so strong in all departments."
While acknowledging some concerns about Arsenal's forward line, Bruce insisted that the overall quality of Arteta's squad deserves significant respect. "I can get where he's coming from in the forward areas because it's always a little bit of a concern with your number nine or your strikers," Bruce conceded, "but I think this Arsenal team are really, really good."
Arsenal's Current Premier League Position and Recent Form
Arteta's side have led the Premier League table for seventeen consecutive weeks, having started the campaign in dominant fashion following three successive runners-up finishes under the Spanish manager. However, their advantage has been reduced to just four points after faltering in their last three matches against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United.
Sunday's dramatic encounter at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal take an early lead through a Lisandro Martinez own goal, but Manchester United fought back to secure a 3-2 victory thanks to spectacular strikes from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha. Earlier weekend wins for both Manchester City and Aston Villa have intensified the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their upcoming fixture against Leeds United.
Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal continue to boast the Premier League's best defensive record, having conceded just seventeen goals in their opening twenty-three matches. This defensive solidity forms a crucial foundation for their title challenge, even as questions persist about their attacking output.
Bruce's Humorous Take on Scholes' Newfound Outspokenness
The former United defender couldn't resist a playful dig at his former teammate's transformation from quiet midfielder to outspoken pundit. "It's typical Scholesy, isn't it, to come out with something like that," Bruce remarked with evident amusement. "We never heard from him for 30 years and then he comes and makes statements like that! He's making up for lost time now, him and Butty [Nicky Butt]."
The Psychological Challenge of Ending Arsenal's Title Drought
Drawing on his own experience as a three-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, Bruce highlighted the psychological barrier that Arsenal must overcome to secure their first championship since 2004.
"They've just got to get over the line which is always the hard part," Bruce explained. "In my time back at Manchester United all those years ago, the first time, the first win of the title, was the hardest by a country mile."
The former defender expressed confidence that once Arsenal clear that psychological hurdle, they possess the squad quality to achieve sustained success. "Once they get that over the line, with this squad of players they've got... they have been very, very good," Bruce continued. "They have been steadfast behind Mikel Arteta and the job he's done and they've quietly built a really good squad of players. They could quite easily win the Champions League and the Premier League. Quite easily."
Bruce's comments represent a significant vote of confidence in Arsenal's title credentials from a respected figure with extensive experience of championship-winning campaigns, directly countering the scepticism expressed by his former Manchester United colleague.
