MIKEL ARTETA swatted off the “handbrake” jibes — claiming Arsenal are one of the most attacking teams in the Prem.
The Gunners are already five points behind leaders Liverpool after Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with Manchester City.
With 67 per cent possession but just three shots on target, Arteta came under fire for playing with the handbrake on.
But the Emirates boss said: “How can you be so dominant against such a team if you have the handbrake on?
“Dominance and handbrake are two different words. Look at the players we have, starting with the most attacking keeper in the league by far.
“When I watched the game back and saw the stats, I was surprised.
“Because it was impossible for somebody to predict such dominance from Arsenal throughout 96 minutes.
“It never happened in 17 years of Pep Guardiola as a manager.”
Pundit Jamie Carragher claimed Arteta played with the “handbrake on” and said the Spanish boss “wasted 45 minutes” in the first half with a defensive-minded midfield three of Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
And fans were confused over why Eberechi Eze did not start instead of Merino, before coming on to tee up Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp leveller.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Arteta added: “It’s easy to say he could have started. Maybe not, as he already played two games and had never played as a right attacker in midfield.”
Ahead of the Carabao Cup third-round trip to Port Vale tonight, Arteta has several injury issues, confirming Noni Madueke will be out for several weeks with a knee issue.
Bukayo Saka could start after making his return from a hamstring strain at the weekend.
But Martin Odegaard (shoulder), Piero Hincapie (groin) and Ben White (knee) are all doubts.
Max Dowman, 15, will become the youngest-ever Arsenal player to start a competitive match should he be selected from the off against Vale.
