Exclusive: Arsenal Legend Winterburn Speaks On Raya Gyokeres And Artetas Organised Champions

Just hours before Manchester Citys one all draw at Bournemouth put a stamp on Arsenals title Flashscore caught up with Nigel Winterburn. The fourth most capped Gunners player ever won titles under George Graham and Arsene Wenger and had a lot to say comparing those famous side to Mikel Artetas newly crowned champions.

What did you make of Arsenals latest one nil win over Burnley the ninth time they have won by that score this season?

"I think the first half was very controlled lots of possession and they created three or four good opportunities. But as you know at one nil going in at halftime it does not matter how dominant you are when you are chasing your first Premier League title in a long time nerves set in. You could sense that nervousness in the second half both on the pitch and in the stadium. But Arsenal have been very resolute this season super organised. They have frustrated a lot of teams and again they managed to see out another victory. Unless you have played or supported a team that is this well organised it is easy to be critical but when you see the discipline of the back five and how hard the whole team works for each other you begin to appreciate it. Sometimes the defensive side of the game is just as impressive as the attacking side but it often goes unnoticed because people expect to be entertained by goals rather than organisation."

Would you say that defensive organisation is the biggest change you have seen in Mikel Artetas Arsenal this season compared to previous years? Or maybe the newly found weapon in set pieces?

"Listen set plays have always been a crucial part of football. I call them almost cheap goals because if you are so good at them you put your opposition under immense pressure. But the organisation might be the key difference now. This is definitely the strongest squad Arsenal and Arteta have had. I am not sure even the teams from two seasons ago could have weathered some of the defensive storms this team has come through. Sometimes you want to see excitement and attacking play but as I know from eighty nine and ninety one when I played in a great defence it is powerful for a team when everyone understands the defensive side. If this Arsenal team gets one goal you believe they will see it through and that is something they have done a lot this season."

What are the biggest similarities and differences between this Arteta side and the champion teams under Arsene Wenger or George Graham you played in?

"I think there is more of a resemblance to George Graham strong organisation discipline and a huge emphasis on the defensive side. With Arsene Wenger he trusted the back four he inherited then added flair in midfield and up front and played a bit more open and direct sometimes taking more risks than this current team does. Artetas current setup has more of that George Graham style. Organised and maybe a bit less willing to take risks compared to Wengers more expressive sides."

Which players from this current Arsenal team do you think would have started in your title winning sides?

"I get asked that a lot and sometimes the question gets flipped would players from my team fit now? It is really difficult to say because the game was much more physical back then. Some of todays players could probably adapt but it would be a shock to the system at first. The real question is about mindset and fitting into the group. Ultimately the best individuals are not always the best team or squad it is about how players fit a system and push each other to be the best."

Is there a current Arsenal player you would have most liked to play alongside?

"If I flip the question I would have loved to see Henry or Bergkamp in this current team to be honest. As for today Saka really stands out. Following his development has been a pleasure. Declan Rice has been a powerhouse and the two centre halves have been very strong. There are several I would have enjoyed playing with but I would not replace my own former teammates because their drive for success is what set them apart."

What do you think has changed most under Arteta to turn Arsenal from nearly men in recent years into champions?

"Looking at just the last couple of seasons the squad is much stronger now. Last season Arsenal had a lot of injuries but I do not think they would be top if the squad had not improved since then. There are players who were question marks at the start of the season who have now played significant roles. The biggest difference is the squad depth. Arteta now has meaningful options from the bench and that is crucial in tight goalless games rather than just when you are comfortably ahead. One players injury should not derail the whole season and that strength in depth has made the biggest impact."

From a dazzling derby to late drama Arsenals key wins en route to the title

Victor Gyokeres the big money striker signing came into great form later in the campaign. He was involved in seven goals in the first half but seventeen in the second half of the season. What do you make of his evolution in the team?

"Honestly in the last few weeks his performances have been on a different level. He really struggled at first. Bits I had seen before he joined Arsenal showed his power pace and willingness to run at defenders but that was not there early on. He looked leggy. Over time his hold up play has improved he has gained a bit of pace maybe from confidence after scoring. Now the players recognise what he needs and there is a growing trust between him and the team. At the start he made lots of runs that did not get picked out. He is much more comfortable and settled now than at any point before."

David Raya has another Golden Glove award and many fans say he is the teams difference maker. What do you make of his performances this year?

"Outstanding unbelievable shot stopper. He has not been flawless he has made the occasional mistake but what you want in a goalkeeper is someone who commands his area and gives confidence to the defence. The big thing with Raya is like David Seaman he makes massive saves at key moments when it really matters. You want that from your keeper in tight crucial matches not when you are already three 0 up. Overall his performances have been sensational this season."

There was a dramatic win over West Ham with some late refereeing controversy. Was there anything controversial about the referees decision at the end disallowing the Hammers goal for a foul on Raya?

"It is always controversial it is Arsenal and everyone hates us! If you look at it any time you make too much contact with a goalkeeper it is usually a foul though standards are different for outfield players. On the incident itself I said straight away the goal would be disallowed when I saw the replay. I think the game is heading towards cracking down on that kind of grappling at corners. You see it every week. I am not sure how they will change it but for me the referee got that one right."

Looking ahead Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest. What can Arsenal do to stop PSG from repeating their finals success?

"Last season PSG peaked perfectly in the knockout stages but we beat them comfortably in the league phase. The semi finals were very close between the two sides. This year I expect it will be tight again. Arsenal have to be on top of their game defensively to contain PSGs attacking threat. But if Arsenal can win the ball high up they can disrupt PSG at the back. The last time we played them Donnarumma had to pull off several stunning saves to get them through. Arsenal must defend perfectly and when they get chances against PSGs defence be ready to take them with pace and power. I think it will be a close final."