NIGEL WINTERBURN thinks Mikel Arteta would be crazy to park the bus at Manchester City, saying: Not even tactical genius George Graham would do it. The Gunners travel to the Etihad on Sunday with the chance to lay down an early Prem marker — to vanquish the memories of last season’s costly goalless draw. 3 Nigel Winterburn says Arsenal must be bold at the Etihad Credit: Getty 3 Mikel Arteta has put on a defensive masterclass against Pep Guardiola in the past Credit: Getty 3 But the current boss should channel his inner George Graham ahead of a huge fixture Credit: Getty That result back in March ultimately cost Arteta’s men the title last term, finishing second behind Pep Guardiola’s side yet again by just two points.
Arsenal legend Winterburn, 60, was a part of ex-boss Graham’s glittering tenure — where the phrase “1-0 to The Arsenal” was coined due to the team’s highly rigid defensive structure. But Graham, in charge from 1986 to 1995, was also a gambler in big bouts — famously winning 2-0 at Anfield in 1989 to finish above title rivals Liverpool on the final day. Former full-back Winterburn, who won two league titles under Graham, says it would not be “disastrous” to play for a draw against City, especially after beating Tottenham last week.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL STAND AND DELIVER New pics show extension set to take Prem stadium capacity beyond 60,000 But he argued: “They should go full out. I don’t believe for one minute Arteta would say otherw.