Arsenal fan and talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods phoned in live to hit back at a former Premier League manager after he claimed there would be an asterisk next to the Gunners’ name if they win the title
Laura Woods rang in live on the radio to slam Alan Pardew’s ‘disrespectful’ remarks about Arsenal. The ex-Premier League manager had suggested during Arsenal’s ugly 1-0 victory away at Brighton that ‘there’ll be an asterisk’ beside their name should they claim the title due to their playing style.
Mikel Arteta’s squad have faced criticism for their reliance on set pieces and tactical gamesmanship. The backlash reached fever pitch following Wednesday’s encounter, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler raging: “There was only one team who tried to play football.”
Hurzeler also blasted Arsenal keeper David Raya for deliberate delays, declaring he’ll ‘never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way’ in a swipe at Arteta, who replied: “What a surprise.”
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Providing commentary for talkSPORT, Pardew similarly targeted the Gunners’ displays. The former Crystal Palace and Newcastle boss declared: “There’ll be an asterisk next to their name because you’ve only got to look at them really in these type of performances and say, it’s just a functional display.
“It’s a professional, functional display. They’re good, they’re strong, they’re powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That’s the truth.”
Arsenal supporter Woods refused to accept it and contacted talkSPORT later that Wednesday evening. The television host unleashed a tirade about Pardew’s observations whilst backing her beloved club. “Do you know what, Alan? I love you, but that is the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever heard,” began Woods.
“How can you say that? What, because we like to take free-kicks, set pieces and corners? I don’t understand the thought process.
“It’s mental… if Arsenal win the league, none of us fans, I don’t care how they do it, I don’t care if you lot don’t enjoy watching us, why would we care if we’re entertaining or not?
“I love it, I put my feet up and say whatever happens tonight, I’ll be in a much better mood than (host) Jamie O’Hara, whatever happens!
“When we were playing lovely football, everyone was saying: ‘They’re playing lovely football but can’t win a game’. And now we’re winning games in different fashions, different ways, the game’s evolving and you lot are bored.”