Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described being compared to former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis as “a big compliment” after his side’s transformation into set-piece kings. Known for their creative and dynamic playing style under Arteta, Arsenal have also developed an exceptional proficiency in scoring from corners and free kicks, drawing praise from Pulis himself, a pioneer of set-piece mastery during his time at Stoke.
The comments come after Arsenal’s recent 3-1 victory over Manchester United, where two of their goals came from corners. Arsenal have now scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season—seven more than any other Premier League team—solidifying their reputation as one of the league’s most effective teams in dead-ball situations.
Arsenal’s Evolution in Set-Piece Tactics
Arteta’s focus on set pieces has been a cornerstone of his managerial philosophy. Upon taking over at Arsenal, he identified a need to strengthen the team’s efficiency in both attacking and defending dead-ball scenarios. To address this, Arteta brought in set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover from Manchester City, whose impact has been instrumental in the Gunners’ rise as a threat from corners.
Reflecting on the comparisons to Tony Pulis and Stoke City’s approach, Arteta said: “It’s great. We are very good at a lot of things, and if we can add set-pieces to our strengths, that’s even better. I take it as a compliment. Stoke City under Pulis were excellent in those situations, and if we are being compared to them in that regard, it’s a testament to the work we’ve done.”
Arteta explained that his awareness of the importance of set pieces dates back to his playing days at Everton. “I learned how crucial set-pieces were at Everton. They can win or lose you games. When I went to Manchester City, we focused heavily on improving our efficiency in those situations. It was clear to me that we had to do something similar when I came to Arsenal.”
The Key to Arsenal’s Set-Piece Success
Under Nicolas Jover’s guidance, Arsenal have implemented highly detailed routines for corners and free kicks. Players are meticulously drilled on positioning, movement, and execution, ensuring the team maximizes its scoring opportunities. This focus has reaped significant rewards, with Arsenal’s set-piece goals often making the difference in tight games.
Against Manchester United, two corner routines stood out. The first saw Gabriel Magalhães rise above the defense to head home, while the second involved a well-rehearsed delivery that found Bukayo Saka, who scored with a clinical finish. The goals not only showcased Arsenal’s technical ability but also their tactical planning.
Dimitar Berbatov, the former Manchester United and Tottenham forward, jokingly referred to Arsenal as “the new Stoke City” after the game, highlighting their newfound reliance on set pieces. However, Arteta embraced the comparison. “I understood what Berbatov meant, and I take it in the best way possible,” he said. “We’re adding another layer to our game, and that’s exactly what we want.”
Tony Pulis’ Stamp of Approval
Tony Pulis, known for his ability to turn Stoke City into a formidable force through set-piece dominance, was quick to acknowledge Arsenal’s achievements in this area. “It’s an important part of the game,” Pulis said. “It looks like the penny has dropped for Arsenal, and they’re now maximizing those opportunities. Credit to Arteta and his team for that.”
For years, Arsenal struggled to deal with teams that excelled in set-piece situations, often finding themselves bullied in physical battles. Under Arteta, however, the Gunners have turned this weakness into a strength. The team’s ability to both defend and attack set-pieces has made them more well-rounded and better equipped to handle the physical demands of the Premier League.
Gary Neville and Nicolas Jover: Controversial Praise
While Arteta and Pulis acknowledged the value of Arsenal’s set-piece transformation, pundits like Gary Neville have offered mixed reactions. Neville jokingly called Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, “the most annoying bloke in football” due to his constant enthusiasm and involvement during games. Despite the jibe, the underlying sentiment is one of admiration for Jover’s impact.
Arteta, too, praised Jover’s contributions. “Nicolas is an exceptional coach. His attention to detail is second to none, and he’s brought a new dimension to our game. The players trust his methods, and the results speak for themselves.”
Jover’s work has not only improved Arsenal’s attacking set-pieces but also their defensive resilience. The Gunners now boast one of the best records in the league when it comes to defending corners and free kicks, reducing a key vulnerability from past seasons.
Set Pieces as a Title-Winning Weapon
Set-pieces have become an essential tool for Arsenal as they push for Premier League glory. With title rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool excelling in various aspects of the game, Arteta’s side has found a unique edge by dominating dead-ball situations. These moments often determine outcomes in tightly contested matches, and Arsenal’s efficiency in this area could prove pivotal in their title bid.
Arteta highlighted the broader significance of set-pieces: “In the modern game, margins are so small. Being good at set-pieces can give you that extra edge. It’s not just about physicality; it’s about timing, coordination, and execution. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’ll keep working to improve.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
As Arsenal continue their campaign, they’ll look to build on their set-piece prowess while maintaining their creative, free-flowing attacking style. The combination of tactical discipline and individual brilliance has positioned the Gunners as one of the most balanced teams in the league.
For Mikel Arteta, the challenge lies in sustaining this level of performance across all competitions. With a team that can score from open play, dominate possession, and now threaten from set-pieces, Arsenal are a formidable force capable of competing on all fronts.
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