DIMITAR Berbatov has dubbed Arsenal “the new Stoke City” after their masterclass against Manchester United.
The Gunners, who sit third in the Prem, recorded a 2-0 win over United last night thanks to two goals from corners.
Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock when he slotted Declan Rice's corner past Andre Onana in the 54th minute.
Arsenal then doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time from the other end when Bukayo Saka's back-post throw was headed back by Thomas Partey, with William Saliba providing the finishing touch.
Arsenal have scored 22 goals from set pieces since the start of last season, more than any other team in the Premier League.
And Mikel Arteta's side are showing no signs of slowing down.
But that has led to some pointed comparisons from Berbatov, who suggested Arsenal are the modern version of Tony Pulis's best.
Former United star Berbatov said on Amazon Prime: 'Probably the Premier League is the only league in the world where you have so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving and causing chaos.
Normally it becomes a foul. Not here. You have to be strong.
“And that's probably why Ruben Amorim was watching from the side. He said, 'What's going on with my goalkeeper?'
FOOTBALL FREE BETTS AND SIGN UP DEALS
“You have to work on that. As we joke, Arsenal is the new Stoke City, right? Depending on set pieces, which can give you the win, as it was today.”
Gabriel has already scored three Prem goals from set pieces this season, but his absence was not missed as he went out with a small tap.
Arsenal closed the gap to seven points on Prem leaders Liverpool after the Reds drew 3-3 at Newcastle on the same evening.
Stoke, meanwhile, prided themselves on their physicality under Pulis during his reign from 2006 to 2013.
Rory Delap's long throw was often their main ammunition when it came to creating chances.
Some felt Arsenal's opener – again from a corner – against West Ham on Saturday should have been ruled out.
Jurrien Timber appeared to have made a mistake on Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could easily have headed the cross away.
Former prem referee Mark Halsey told SunSport: “In terms of decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?
“For me, I think it was a clear free kick. And I'm surprised the VAR hasn't recommended a review.”
Arsenal have scored 41 corner goals in the top flight since the summer of 2021, seven more than anyone else.
It was the first time in ten years that United had conceded two goals from corners in a Prem match.
The last time was when Samuel Eto'o scored twice in Chelsea's 3-1 win in January 2014.
Amoirm, meanwhile, said: “The set pieces changed the game. We could have been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box.
“Until the set pieces, the game didn't have too many chances for either side, the set pieces ruined the game.
“They can put a lot of players close to the goalkeeper and it is almost impossible to fight for the ball, but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.
“We were committed and we lost from set pieces.”
There were only five shots in the first 45 minutes: three for Arsenal and two for United.
It meant the fewest shots in the first half of any top match so far this season.
Meanwhile, former Everton coach and current Portugal boss Roberto Martinez backed Berbatov's comments.
He said on Amazon Prime: “We've all suffered from Stoke. I think it's a great honor to remember Tony Pulis.”
Chelsea climbed above Arsenal on goal difference, thanks to the 5-1 win over Southampton.
And the Red Devils dropped to 11th place as Nottingham Forest travel to Old Trafford on Saturday.
Comments