Arsenal continue to be doubted and slammed despite the possibility of a history-making quadruple remaining alive after they progressed to the FA Cup quarter-final
Alan Shearer hit back at criticism aimed at Arsenal(Image: Rest is Football)
Alan Shearer has hit back at criticism aimed at Arsenal’s direction this season in a fiery defence of the club. The BBC star’s rant came after Mikel Arteta continued their fine season, leading his side to the FA Cup quarter-final over the weekend.
The Gunners remain on course to challenge in all four tournaments this season, with the possibility of a historic quadruple still alive. Arteta’s men are currently seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with eight games left to play.
They face Manchester City in the final of the Carabao Cup (22 March) and are one of the favourites to win the Champions League. Saturday’s 2-1 win over Mansfield Town means Arsenal are now in the last eight of the FA Cup.
Despite the success on the pitch, Arsenal have been faced with heavy criticism this season for their style and use of the ‘dark arts’. However, Shearer has shot down any negative comments towards the north Londoners, insisting ‘I’m not having it’ with Arsenal enjoying a superb season so far.
When discussing the criticism aimed at Arsenal in recent weeks on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer fumed: “I’m not having the criticism, I don’t get it.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
“I said before, they finished top of the Champions League group, they’re in the final [of the Carabao Cup], they’re in the quarter-final of the FA Cup, they’re seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, yet people are finding a way of criticising them. Do me a favour!
“From any standard, whoever you’re looking at, in every position, wherever they are in cup or league, they’re absolutely flying. Forget about any other comment, or any negative comments, they’re flying. They couldn’t do any better at this moment of time.”
Gary Lineker, who agreed with Shearer’s comments, also gave his exciting verdict as talk turned to Max Dowman following his display in the victory at Mansfield at the weekend.
“What a talent, he’s so exciting,” Lineker said. “He’s been out for three months and he came in in men’s football and he looked almost like the best player. Every now and then he does something and you go ‘oh’.”
He added: “I was just watching the game and I was going ‘Oh boy’. It’s one of those when you can see it, obviously there are dangers that you can get carried away. But even Mikel Arteta, he enthuses about him, he talks about him, he’s probably in good hands. I don’t have a problem with bigging up players, what we’ve got to be cautious of is knocking them down sometimes.”
Shearer agreed with Lineker on Dowman, insisting the quality on show at such a young age will always be discussed. He said: “You can’t help it, can you? They’re showing great ability, I know he’s only young, but when they’re that good, you have to talk about them, which then puts pressure on then. You have to accept that.”
Watch Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal on TNT Sports
Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they face Bayer Leverkusen on March 11. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.