Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Copyright: xJOERANxSTEINSIEKxImago
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara believes that if Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title this season, they will fully deserve it, no matter what critics say about their style of play, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okpara’s view comes at a time when the debate around Arsenal’s title credentials has grown louder, with several former players questioning whether the Gunners are convincing champions.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been one of the strongest critics. He argued that no team in the league has done enough to deserve the trophy and even suggested it should not be awarded this season. Scholes also claimed that if Arsenal win it, they could be remembered as one of the ‘worst’ champions, pointing to their reliance on set-pieces and what he described as a lack of excitement in their play.
Similarly, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has questioned Arsenal’s attacking quality. He believes the team lacks a clear superstar and has criticised manager Mikel Arteta for being too cautious in big matches.
Despite these views, Arsenal’s position at the top of the table tells a different story. They hold a strong lead over Manchester City and have shown consistency throughout the season, a key factor in any title-winning campaign.
Okpara on Arsenal: Results matter more than style
Former Nigeria international Godwin Okpara, however, believes winning the Premier League is never easy, and any team that finishes first deserves full respect.
“In my opinion, any team that wins the Premier League deserves it,” the former PSG star told the NewTelegraph.
“It is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Even teams at the bottom are strong, so finishing at the top is a major achievement.”
Okpara, who had a notable career in Europe and represented Nigeria at the highest level, pointed out that Arsenal’s rise has been gradual and well-earned.
“It requires consistency, discipline, and quality. Arsenal have been close for several years now. They have finished in second and third positions multiple times, showing that they are competitive.”
He believes that the Gunners’ current position is the result of long-term improvement rather than luck.
“At some point, you have to acknowledge their effort and give them credit. If they eventually win the title, then it means they have earned it.”
Arsenal’s performances this season support his argument. They have defended well, managed games smartly, and found ways to win even when not playing at their best. While critics focus on how they play, Okpara insists that results are what truly matter.
“It does not matter how they play, whether people think their style is attractive or not. What matters is results. For me, if Arsenal win the league, they deserve full recognition.”
Arsenal are the current leader in the Premier League title race, holding a nine-point lead over Manchester City with seven games remaining.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
A lifelong fan of Arsenal and the Super Eagles, Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng, where his journey as a journalist began more than six years ago. Since then, he has helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and guided it toward some of its proudest milestones.
With a background in Engineering and further training in journalism and digital media, Imhons brings both precision and passion to his storytelling. His love for football runs deep, but he also follows boxing, chess, and athletics with equal curiosity.
