IT'S A GRIND OF MAGIC

Gunners take flak but title is all that counts

- BY JOHN CROSS

IN YEARS to come, no one will remember how they won it. Just as long as they won it.

That is all that matters for Mikel Arteta this season. Arsenal need to get over the line - and if that means winning ugly, then so be it.

It would be Arsenal's first title in 22 years - the longest they have gone postwar without winning it - and it is little wonder the nerves have kicked in.

But they have also become sitting ducks for every Tom, Dick and Harry criticising their style of play. And Chris Sutton.

Arsenal beat Chelsea on Sunday to restore their five-point lead over Manchester City and they did it with two goals from corners. Their 30th and 31st goals from set-pieces this season. No wonder they have been cast as Set Piece FC. It is not free-flowing football.