Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has delivered a harsh assessment of Arsenal ahead of their crucial encounter with Sporting CP, casting serious doubt over the Gunners’ chances of progressing in the UEFA Champions League.
Scholes did not hold back in his criticism, suggesting that Arsenal’s current style of play is too predictable and ineffective at the highest level. He specifically targeted what he described as an overreliance on set pieces and crosses, warning that such tactics would not be enough against a disciplined Sporting side.
“Arsenal will cry against Sporting today. No doubt about it,” Scholes said, expressing confidence that the North London club will struggle to impose themselves. He further dismissed their attacking approach, adding that “this corner-kick obsession won’t work at this level.”
The former England international went on to question Arsenal’s overall creativity in attack, arguing that repeatedly delivering crosses into the box is not a sustainable way to win major European ties. According to Scholes, this lack of variation will ultimately cost them.
“You can’t just go cross after cross after cross and expect to make history,” he stated, implying that Arsenal’s approach lacks the sophistication required for Champions League success.
Looking ahead, Scholes predicted that even if Arsenal manage to stay competitive in the first leg, the return fixture will reveal their shortcomings. “The second leg will expose them completely… and that’s where their Champions League journey ends,” he warned.
He concluded with a blunt verdict on Arsenal’s credentials, insisting that their current level of performance is not worthy of a place among Europe’s elite. “For me, they don’t deserve to be anywhere near the semi-finals playing like that,” Scholes added.
The comments are likely to fuel debate among fans and pundits alike, especially as Arsenal aim to prove their critics wrong on the European stage. All eyes will now be on whether Mikel Arteta’s side can respond to the criticism and deliver a performance that justifies their ambitions in the competition.
