‘Lack of Ambition’ – Mikel Arteta’s Approach at Arsenal Questioned by Former Star as Gunners Now ‘Excited Not to Lose a Game’

Gael Clichy Warns of ‘Lack of Ambition’ in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as Gunners Celebrate ‘Not Losing’ Instead of Winning

For the past three seasons, Arsenal have been heralded as a club reborn under Mikel Arteta. They’ve gone from mid-table stagnation to genuine Premier League contenders, finishing runners-up three years in a row. Yet, despite this rise, there’s a nagging concern that something is missing. Former Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy has become the latest to raise his voice, suggesting that Arteta’s team now represents a version of Arsenal that prioritises “not losing” rather than pushing relentlessly for victory.

It’s a bold accusation, one that cuts to the heart of the ongoing debate among Arsenal supporters: is this pragmatic, safety-first approach a necessary step towards titles, or is it betraying the club’s DNA of expansive, attacking football once synonymous with Arsène Wenger’s golden years?

What Happened?

The spark for Clichy’s remarks was Arsenal’s defeat at Anfield, where their unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end. Facing a Liverpool side that has looked unusually fragile at the back this season, Arsenal approached the game with caution rather than conviction. Instead of seizing the opportunity to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses, Arteta’s men looked more intent on containment.

For Clichy, this symbolised a broader issue. Arsenal, in his view, are drifting away from the club’s traditional attacking identity. Instead, they are defined by defensive organisation, set-piece efficiency, and resilience. Admirable qualities, yes—but far from the Arsenal he once knew.

What Clichy Said

Speaking to Metro, the former French international pulled no punches.

“Arsenal is coming to a place where the idea and identity of Arsène Wenger’s football is not seen much anymore. We don’t talk about how well Arsenal played these days, we talk about how difficult they are to break down or how impressive they are on set pieces.”

Clichy acknowledged that Arteta has instilled valuable attributes, but he argued that ambition has been sacrificed along the way.

“When you look at that game against Liverpool, you can see a team that is not concerned about winning but a team excited not to lose a game. This is very subtle but this is a massive difference for a team that is competing for the title.”

His point was simple: grinding out results isn’t enough to topple Manchester City or sustain a title-winning campaign. At some point, Arsenal must take risks and assert themselves in hostile environments.

The Bigger Picture: Pragmatism vs. Arsenal DNA

Clichy’s comments resonate because they reflect a wider unease among fans and pundits. Wenger’s Arsenal were often accused of being naïve, too idealistic, and unwilling to compromise. Arteta has flipped that script, prioritising defensive stability, tactical flexibility, and control.

The numbers back it up. Arsenal have conceded fewer goals over the past two seasons than at any point in the last decade. Their set-piece routines—once a glaring weakness—are now a strength. Players like William Saliba and Declan Rice embody the resilience of Arteta’s side.

But there’s a price. Arsenal have drawn matches they should have won, hesitated against top rivals, and lacked the killer instinct needed to land decisive blows. In title races defined by small margins, those missed opportunities matter.

‘Lack of Ambition’ or a Necessary Evolution?

Is this really a “lack of ambition”, or simply Arteta recognising the realities of modern football?

The Spaniard has often spoken about “maturity” and “game management.” Against big opponents away from home, Arsenal’s priority has been to stay in the game and limit risks. While this approach has prevented heavy defeats, it has also made Arsenal appear less adventurous than their predecessors.

Clichy’s criticism cuts because he lived through the Wenger era—when Arsenal prided themselves on attacking verve. Yet that same era often collapsed under pressure, with the Gunners mocked for playing “beautiful football with no end product.”

Perhaps Arteta is attempting to strike a balance Wenger never managed: blending solidity with flair. Whether that balance leans too heavily toward pragmatism is a debate that rages on.

Viktor Gyokeres and the Missing No. 9

Much of this conversation comes back to Arsenal’s lack of a prolific striker. For years, fans have called for a true No. 9 capable of turning cautious draws into statement wins. This summer, Arsenal answered with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, a powerhouse forward who thrived in Portugal.

The Swedish striker is seen as the final piece of the puzzle—an antidote to Arsenal’s perceived timidity in big matches. If Gyokeres delivers, the Gunners might finally shed the reputation of being “happy not to lose” and start imposing themselves with genuine ruthlessness.

Did You Know?

• Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons under Arteta—their longest streak since the Wenger years.

• In those three seasons, they have taken more points than any team except Manchester City, yet they have not lifted a single major trophy.

• Their last Premier League title came in 2004, during the Invincibles season when avoiding defeat and winning went hand in hand.

• Under Arteta, Arsenal have become one of Europe’s most effective sides at defending and scoring from set pieces.

The Emotional Layer: Fans and Identity

Beyond tactics and statistics, there’s an emotional dimension. Arsenal supporters have always identified with stylish, attack-minded football. For many, this was what made the club unique. To see that identity diluted—replaced with a more cautious, almost robotic efficiency—feels like a cultural shift.

Clichy’s remarks tapped into this nostalgia. Supporters are torn between appreciating Arsenal’s progress and yearning for the aesthetic joy that defined Wenger’s reign. Titles matter, but so does the way they are won.

What Next for Arsenal?

The Gunners return from the international break with a Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. For Arteta, the challenge is clear: find a way to balance pragmatism with ambition.

Against mid-table and lower sides, Arsenal have been ruthless. Against their direct rivals, caution often prevails. To take the next step—to transform from perennial challengers to champions—they must prove they can win the biggest away games.

Liverpool, Manchester City, and even resurgent Chelsea will not be toppled by safety-first football. Arsenal must embrace risk, trust their attacking talent, and show the ambition Clichy accuses them of lacking.

Conclusion: ‘Lack of Ambition’ – Arteta’s Arsenal at a Crossroads

Clichy’s critique—“excited not to lose a game”—may sting, but it captures a fundamental truth about where Arsenal stand. Arteta has rebuilt the club from a fragile, inconsistent outfit into one of Europe’s most organised sides. But pragmatism alone will not deliver titles.

If Arsenal truly want to end their two-decade wait for the Premier League, they must go beyond simply surviving in the toughest fixtures. They must dare to dominate.

And in the coming months, as the season’s decisive clashes approach, Arteta’s Arsenal will face the ultimate test: can they transform from resilient challengers into ruthless winners, or will history remember them as the nearly-men of their era?