Theo Walcott blasts Peter Schmeichel over 'sour' comments he made about Arsenal

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has labelled Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel "sour" following his scathing assessment of the Gunners' playing style during their loss to Liverpool on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta's team managed only a solitary effort on target at Anfield as a magnificent late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick clinched victory for Arne Slot's reigning champions.

Subsequently, the ex-United shot-stopper, who has previously criticised the Gunners, condemned Arsenal for employing an "ugly brand of football" with their cautious tactics frustrating several pundits. Others, however, have defended his approach.

Walcott, who turned out for the north London club between 2005 and 2018, argued that Arteta's defensive strategy against Liverpool had proved effective in Arsenal's season opener versus Manchester United, where the Gunners won 1-0.

In Walcott's view, Schmeichel's criticism stemmed from lingering resentment following United's defeat in that clash against their rivals.

"Well, it worked at Man United so maybe Schmeichel is a bit sour from that result," Walcott remarked about Arsenal's approach on the It's Called Soccer! podcast. "Because there are times when it works. But the plan in those games is to stay in the game and this is the dynamic, and where I feel Mikel Arteta is at this moment in time."

Referring to the substantial financial support Arteta has received in the transfer market this summer, Walcott continued: "He's now equipped, the club have really backed him with investment and now he's got options everywhere but he likes to go back to his [mantra] of, 'We need to stay in the game.'

"I've played with managers, Arsene [Wenger] at times, when you're in the games and you're like, 'Just bring on another forward as this is where you can score more goals.'

"Managers are too afraid of losing and this is the problem, because now he's lost, everyone is going to look at this way and say, 'Well they lost, they weren't adventurous and playing with that freedom.' But it was working up to a certain point."

Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka, while captain Martin Odegaard was only deemed suitable for a place among the substitutes. Nevertheless, a dependence on dead-ball situations and corners meant Arsenal fell short in both possession and expected goals statistics against Liverpool, leaving Schmeichel frustrated by their tactical approach.

"I have never in my life ever wanted a team to win a game of football more than Liverpool today. Arsenal bring an ugly brand of football to our game," he said on Viaplay after Liverpool's 1-0 victory.

"I don't want to insult Arsenal but their brand of football is so annoying to watch, it's designed to exploit opponents while waiting for set pieces."

Arsenal have been known as the set-piece specialists for over a year, and this has aided them in winning several high-profile matches. However, they've often been criticised for their inability to break down teams with an attractive style of football.

Schmeichel's sentiments were echoed by former United defender Gary Neville. "Same old, same old for those Arsenal fans," he said on Sky Sports.

"They've seen this before. They look comfortable in a big game, but at this moment in time haven't got that risk in their game, that courage to go and think they can win."

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