Rooney Says Arsenal Playing More Direct And Ruthless Under Arteta
Sports Updated: 13 March 2026 08:26 EAT
Wayne Rooney
Former England international Wayne Rooney has praised Arsenal’s tactical shift, saying the Premier League leaders are now focused on results rather than trying to impress with attractive football.
🗣️ “If you watch Arsenal closely now, you realise they’re no longer trying to impress people with pretty football. They are playing with one objective — to score goals. They look for quick transitions, counter-attacks, corner kicks, and through balls that can reach the opponent’s goalkeeper as fast as possible,” Rooney said.
He explained that the change in style is not about abandoning technical football but about adopting a more pragmatic approach after previous attempts at possession-based play fell short.
🗣️ “It’s not that they don’t like playing attractive football, but they tried that before and it didn’t take them where they wanted to go. That ‘tiki-taka’ style saw them finish second three times in a row. Now they look more direct, more focused, and much more ruthless,” he added.
Football analysts note that Arsenal’s current tactics under Mikel Arteta emphasize structured defending, fast counter-attacks, and effective use of set-pieces to maximize goal-scoring opportunities.
The Gunners have reportedly improved efficiency in front of goal, with quick transitions from defence to attack producing decisive moments in key matches.
Rooney and other pundits say the approach reflects a calculated tactical evolution rather than a decline in technical quality, highlighting the club’s aim to convert dominance into tangible results.
The former striker said the team’s mentality has shifted, with a focus on ruthlessness and efficiency as the driving forces behind Arsenal’s challenge for domestic and European honours this season.
Tags: Arsenal Arsenal Fc Champions League English Premier League Sports Journalism
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD