EPL: ‘Ugly, annoying’ – Schmeichel slams Arteta over Arsenal’s style of football

Peter Schmeichel branded Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal “ugly” and “annoying” after Liverpool’s 1-0 Anfield win. For bettors, the game underlines Arsenal’s low-tempo, set-piece-dependent approach — markets could favour under 2.5 goals or narrow-margin win options; Arsenal remain title favourites, so look for value in single-match markets rather than long-term futures.

Schmeichel slams Arteta’s Arsenal after Anfield defeat

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel launched a blistering critique of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after Liverpool handed the Gunners their first defeat of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Dominik Szoboszlai’s 83rd-minute free-kick sealed a 1-0 win at Anfield and prompted Schmeichel to label Arsenal’s style “ugly” and “annoying.”

Match recap: Szoboszlai deadlock breaker

Liverpool’s late set-piece quality proved decisive as Szoboszlai curled a free-kick into the net to separate the sides. Arsenal, who had been unbeaten until this clash, struggled to impose their rhythm and ultimately paid the price for a subdued attacking display.

Tactical criticism from Schmeichel

Schmeichel said he no longer enjoys watching Arsenal, accusing them of deliberately slowing matches and relying on opponents’ mistakes and set pieces. “I don’t want to insult Arsenal but their brand of football is so annoying to watch. It’s designed to exploit opponents’ mistakes while waiting for set pieces. Then they take their time and take the tempo out of the game,” he said. The former goalkeeper urged Arteta to let the team play more attractive football, even if that risks occasional defeats.

Title race context and betting implications

Despite the loss, Arsenal remain widely tipped to challenge for — and potentially win — the Premier League this season. For bettors, the Anfield result reinforces two threads: Arsenal games can be low-tempo and tight, which may make under 2.5 goals or narrow-margin win markets attractive in the short term; meanwhile, long-term title markets are unlikely to shift dramatically after a single defeat, leaving more value in match-by-match opportunities and head-to-head markets.

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