Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis has praised Mikel Arteta for embracing the power of set-pieces, suggesting the Arsenal boss will see comparisons with his old Stoke City side as a compliment rather than an insult.
Arsenal have been the set-piece kings of English football in recent months, turning corners, indirect free-kicks and even long throws into vital weapons. The Gunners have taken that threat to another level this season, scoring 11 Premier League goals from set-pieces alone – a remarkable 69 per cent of their total league goals so far.
While many have praised Arsenal’s tactical evolution, it has also sparked criticism from outsiders, with some labelling them “set-piece FC” and comparing them to Pulis’s Stoke teams of the early 2010s.
Pulis praises Arteta’s approach
The former Stoke and West Brom manager, known for his pragmatic and physically dominant sides, shared his admiration for Arteta’s tactical adaptability in his BBC column.
“I think it’s brilliant that Arteta has embraced set-pieces and, like me, I don’t think he will give a damn about the people who want to knock him for doing it,” Pulis wrote.
“We saw that from the Arsenal fans, who were singing ‘set-piece again, ole ole ole’ when Eberechi Eze got on the end of Declan Rice’s free-kick for their winner against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“I do find it funny that 10 or 12 years ago, I was taking a lot of flak from Gunners supporters and Arsène Wenger was saying that Stoke were a rugby team because of our corner routines and long throws.”
Arteta’s evolution earns respect
The 67-year-old added that he believes Arteta will view the comparisons as a sign of respect, saying: “Wenger is probably shaking his head about what Arsenal are doing but I know Arteta sees the Stoke comparisons as a compliment and so do the other Premier League managers who are doing the same.”
Arsenal’s dominance from set-plays, combined with their outstanding defensive record, has put them in an excellent position to challenge for major honours this season. They currently lead the Premier League by four points and sit joint top of their UEFA Champions League league phase group.
There will be twists and turns before May, but Arteta’s men will be confident that their blend of structure, precision and resilience could finally end their 21-year wait for the Premier League title.
Do you think Mikel Arteta should be praised for making set-pieces such a strength, Gooners?
Benjamin Kenneth
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Pulis’ Stoke wasn’t notorious because of their set-pieces, but their brutal tackles
Pulis was a rugby bully and not a football coach,his coaching style features nowhere in football, in fact he was a criminal in football and I ask FIFA to come up with laws that can sentence such crooks to jail.
What Pulis is ignoring, is the violence that his mob played week in week out.
Who will ever forget the assault on Aaron Ramsey that resulted in multiple injuries and months out of the game?
One of their players even admitted (can’t remember his name) that Pulis would instruct his players to go out with the intention of targeting individuals for his type of “football” mayhem.
I don’t believe Arsenal fans would ever tolerate a manager like Pulis.
Crawl back under your stone mate and don’t mention our club or our manager again – your not worthy of doing so!!
It is their former striker Dave Kitson that admitted the instructions from Pulis, and the challenger was no other than Shawcross.
But what was surprising at the time, was the legendary Alex Ferguson, who discreetly supported Toney Pulis transgressions, despite widespread condemnation
So horrifying was the criminal act on Ramsey, it was discussed such practices should be put before a court of law.
@Gunsmoke
Charlie Adam was another of Stokes bone crushers. I remember him literally trying to choke out Sanchez and got away with it. Funny thing is, he’s the set piece coach at Everton. 😂
Gunsmoke,
Regarding Ferguson supporting Pulis transgressions.
You shouldn’t be surprised, as this is the same Ferguson who defended Cantona’s kung-fu kick attack on the Crystal Palace fan. 🤦♂️🤷♂️
It’s never been rocket science! If you have a solid 9 who can receive a long ball and hold possession ,then a high press is almost ineffective .Set pieces are a great way to get an edge.But don’t kid yourself about Arsenal,they can play round a press,keep patient possession and then unlock defences in open play as well.They are at the moment one of the best units in the world 😎👍
Well said Neil!
Certainly Neil….
Arsenal have just adapted to situations in the modern game based on opponents strategy….they will play possession or direct based on need.
Objective is to get results that further achievement of overall goal
Am a little disappointed to hear Tony Pulis name been associated in an Arsenal discussion.
Not only do I think this man is a criminal, his playing style or club philosophy are miles apart.
The former Stokes man direct, physical, defensive and dirty approach often attributed to Pulis is fundamentally at odds with the traditional attacking and possession base style associated with Arsenal under manager’s like the legendary Frenchman Arsne Wenger and Arteta
I am happy about the solid performances by the boys and the positive results which are a direct result of set play precision. However, I just wish that we could create more from open play and also score some fantastic goals from open play, come on guys this is Arsenal and our DNA is attacking football.
Our set plays are fantastic and now is the time for Arteta to put more work on creativity and score more goals from open play so that the team does not become too predictable and boring as well!!
Well it’s hard to do when teams basically set up a low block everytime they face us
I don’t have any problem with set pieces as long as it does not cause any injuries to other club players
Honestly don’t care if we play like Pep’s Barca or Pulis’ Stoke. Just get the result and win some silverware FFS. Getting sick of those silly memes on our trophy drought
As long as opposition teams apply low block against Arsenal, we will use the set pieces to score. Teams are afraid to go toe to toe with Arsenal. As long as we win the games, that’s great. Vamos Gooners.