Graeme Souness, Liverpool legend, admits he’s a ‘closet Arsenal fan’ in his latest Daily Mail column.

Writing in his Daily Mail column on Saturday, Graeme Souness said that Arsenal must continue their winning ways to shed their reputation as underperformers. Despite recent history of faltering in crucial moments, Souness says that the team appears revitalised.

Arsenal can only ditch ‘bottlers’ tag by carrying on winning Daily Mail16 Mar 2024 I AM a closet fan of Arsenal. In my professional time they have always been a club that oozes class. They did bottle the title race last year, there’s no other way of putting it. But they look richer for the experience now. They’re showing no nerves. Even if they are not on top in a game, they’re playing with freedom and they have quality all over the pitch. They seem a tighter group. It’s most unusual that Ben White doesn’t want to play for his country. In 20 years’ time I’m sure he will regret it when his kids ask: ‘Dad, did you play for England?’ But maybe Arsenal is his priority. I’m a big fan of Martin Odegaard. There’s nothing to dislike about him. He has great energy, he’s a cute passer of the ball, gets his fair share of goals and he leads by example. He doesn’t strike me as a captain who would dig out his team-mates. He prefers to show them how it should be done. I’m just not sure if Mikel Arteta goes too far with his antics on the touchline. There’s a fine dividing line between being passionate or stepping into trouble. It’s not a good look squaring up to the opposition manager on a regular basis even if it does get the crowd going. I think if it happens too often you need to ask questions of yourself. You can get away with it to a degree while you’re winning but, if you’re not, that’s when it can become a problem. Is the manager’s behaviour the reason? Is it a distraction? That will get levelled against him. Right now, it’s great for the English Premier League that we have three teams with a genuine chance of winning the title. I may surprise you here but I think it would be even better for the Premier League if Manchester United were to join that group too because of their reach and their zillions of fans. For Arsenal, they’ve had a fabulous year but the only way to get that monkey off their back about being title bottlers is to carry on winning. That’s when criticism of their mentality will stop. Article Name:Arsenal can only ditch ‘bottlers’ tag by carrying on winning Publication:Daily Mail Start Page:7 End Page:7
Graeme Souness writing n the Daily Mail 16 March 2024

Ben White‘s choice to prioritise club over country is highlighted as unusual and something he might regret in the future. Martin Odegaard is praised for his leadership and skill, while questions are, tediously, raised about Mikel Arteta‘s sideline behaviour and its impact.

The article also suggests that sustaining success is crucial for Arsenal to overcome past criticisms and that their improvement benefits the Premier League as a whole, especially if rivals like Manchester United elevate their game.

30 Jan 2002: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Blackburn manager Graeme Souness during the match between Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal in the FA Barclaycard Premiership at Ewood Park, Blackburn. Mandatory Credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
30 Jan 2002: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Blackburn manager Graeme Souness during the match between Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal in the FA Barclaycard Premiership at Ewood Park, Blackburn. Mandatory Credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

“I am a closet fan of Arsenal. In my professional time they have always been a club that oozes class,” Souness writes. “They did bottle the title race last year, there’s no other way of putting it. But they look richer for the experience now. They’re showing no nerves. Even if they are not on top in a game, they’re playing with freedom and they have quality all over the pitch.”

Souness is regarded as a Liverpool legend due to his time at the club during his playing career, which spanned from 1978 to 1984. He was an integral part of one of Liverpool‘s most successful eras, known for his tough tackling, leadership, and ability to control the midfield.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 27: Liverpool's Scotland players from left to right, Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen celebrate with the Euopean Cup after their 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at Parc de Princes on May 27, 1981 in Paris, France, Terry McDermott is seen to the far right. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton Archive)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 27: Liverpool’s Scotland players from left to right, Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen celebrate with the Euopean Cup after their 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at Parc de Princes on May 27, 1981 in Paris, France, Terry McDermott is seen to the far right. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton Archive)

During his time at Liverpool, Souness won numerous titles, including five English league championships and three European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League). His dominance in midfield and his competitive nature were pivotal in Liverpool‘s domestic and European successes.

Souness was not just a physical presence; he was also known for his footballing intelligence, passing ability, and scoring capability. His leadership qualities were recognised when he became the team captain.

After his playing career, Souness also managed Liverpool, although this period was less successful compared to his time as a player. Despite the challenges faced during his managerial tenure, his status as a Liverpool legend remains largely due to his contributions on the pitch.