Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has defended the club's current pragmatic style under Mikel Arteta, prioritizing the end to their 22-year league trophy drought over aesthetics. The former captain, who starred in the Invincibles side that last won the Premier League in 2003/04, expressed respect for Arteta's ability to deliver results despite criticism of their set-piece reliant approach. Arsenal currently sit nine points clear atop the table.

Henry dismissed concerns about Arsenal's £250m summer spending primarily on attacking talent now yielding less fluid football. He questioned what constitutes the "Arsenal way," pointing to George Graham's era where pragmatic football brought trophies despite criticism. The Gunners have the tightest defense under Arteta but score at a lower rate than previous seasons, having evolved from the free-flowing style that earned praise two years ago.

Jamie Carragher highlighted Arteta's unprecedented evolution from a Guardiola-like approach to a more Mourinho-esque style, a shift he believes no other Premier League title winner has achieved. The analyst noted Arteta's adaptability in signing physically robust players after their 2022 title challenge faltered against Man City. Carrager called this strategic flexibility "almost different to any manager we've seen" in the Premier League context.