Dimitar Berbatov has called Arsenal ‘the new Stoke City’ after the club’s set-piece threat helped the Gunners to a 2-0 win over Manchester United.
Arsenal have emerged as the best set-piece team in the Premier League over the last two campaigns and scored both goals from such situations at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba got the goals from dangerous deliveries, which caused problems for the visitors all evening.
The win saw Arsenal reduce the gap on leaders Liverpool to seven points, after the latter drew at Newcastle, and continued their impressive form since returning form the international break.
Arsenal had more shots from corners (7) than they did from open play (6) against Manchester United, while it was the first time United have conceded two goals from corners in a Premier League game for over a decade.
Mikel Arteta’s team have now scored seven set-piece goals in 2024/25, more than any other side.
Berbatov compared the North London side’s threat to Stoke City, who became famed – and feared – for their set-pieces after promotion to the Premier League in 2007/08. Tony Pulis’s team often used the long throw of Rory Delap to devastating effect and Berbatov believes Arsenal’s routines now instil similar fear.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the former Tottenham and Manchester United forward said: “Ruben Amorim was probably thinking ‘what is going on with my team?’ – because obviously as we joke, Arsenal are the new Stoke City. Depending on set-pieces which can give you the win.”
Most set-piece goals in the Premier League this season (excluding penalties)
- Arsenal – 7
- Aston Villa – 6
- Everton – 6
- Chelsea – 5
- Manchester United – 5
- Nottingham Forest – 5
