Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hit back at detractors of his side's playing style, insisting that negative voices represent only a fringe element among those following the club.

The Gunners have been in formidable form this season, winning 10 of their opening 11 matches. Yet questions have lingered about their ability to break down disciplined, deep-sitting defences — a challenge that resurfaced on Sunday when substitute Noni Madueke's 80th-minute strike was required to see off Nottingham Forest.

That goal was Arsenal's 11th in seven Premier League outings this campaign, a return that some have pointed to as evidence of a blunt attack. Notably, the club are yet to score from a set-piece in any competition this season — a sharp contrast to last year, when they conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League and led the division in set-piece conversions.

Arteta's response

Arteta was unapologetic when pressed on the criticism.