# Arsenal's David Raya Defends Team Style

> Arsenal's David Raya dismisses 'boring' criticism as Arteta defends team's attacking style ahead of Bayern clash.
- Title: Arsenal's David Raya Defends Team Style · the Guardian
- Summary: Arsenal's David Raya dismisses 'boring' criticism as Arteta defends team's attacking style ahead of Bayern clash. Arsenal's David Raya says his team isn't…
- Keywords: arsenal, mikel arteta, bayern munich, champions league, david raya, vincent kompany, champions league final, viral infection, sports, Arsenal's, David, Raya
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/20/bayern-munich-arsenal-champions-league
- Published: 2026-10-20T20:00:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: arsenal, mikel arteta, bayern munich, champions league, david raya, vincent kompany, champions league final, viral infection, sports
## David Raya dismisses criticism
David Raya says he doesn't care about labels calling Arsenal 'boring' despite one loss in 11 games this season.

> No it doesn’t, People have their own opinions. We have our own opinion. At the end of the day, we have lost one game in 11 this season and if you call that boring or irritating … I don’t know what to say.
## Arteta defends team's style
Arteta says critics of Arsenal's style are a 'very small minority' and the team has improved significantly this season.

> I think we are talking about a very small minority and the other ones they know they have enjoyed a lot the way we have played and dominated games this year.
## Arsenal's recent performance
Arsenal won 1-0 against Nottingham Forest to reach 10 wins out of 11 in all competitions this season.

> Arsenal made it 10 wins out of 11 in all competitions for the season when they beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday.
## Bayern Munich preparation
Bayern Munich will face Arsenal in Champions League without suspended Michael Olise and possibly manager Vincent Kompany.

> Arteta knows that Bayern will bring the game to Arsenal; perhaps it will be a relief not to face low-block opponents.
## Kompany's viral infection
Vincent Kompany may miss the match due to a viral infection affecting his legs.

> It has affected his legs at times, He’s felt some pain in his legs.
## Kompany's absence impact
Kompany's absence means Aaron Danks will take charge of Arsenal if he cannot make it to the match.

> Danks will take charge of the team against Arsenal if Kompany cannot make it, just as he did last season during the epic Champions League semi-final.
## Arteta's Champions League focus
Arteta emphasizes Arsenal's improved attacking style and possession compared to last year's performance.

> We scored so many goals, we have more possession, more shots, different players participating, no goals from set pieces.
## Arteta's motivation
Arteta remains motivated by past Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

> I tried [to get over it] but I haven’t managed to, I tried for many weeks during the summer but when I see the ball, the scenes, I hear the music, I want it so badly.
## Arsenal's style evolution
Arsenal has improved their style of play with more control and attacking options this season.

> You can see the way we play. You can see different type of ways of playing that we have. We are more prepared this year than last year.
## Next match preparation
Arsenal prepares for Bayern Munich with a focus on their attacking style and improved performance.

> We know the kind of game that we’re going to play, Both teams are very clear on that and we experienced that at the Emirates [last season, when Arsenal won 3-1].
## Key takeaway

Arsenal's David Raya says his team isn't boring despite criticism, while manager Arteta insists their style is better than last year's.