Dimitar Berbatov calls Arsenal's set pieces ineffective like Stoke's

In a recent Premier League match, Arsenal achieved a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, with both goals coming from set pieces. This match drew commentary from former striker Dimitar Berbatov, who made a humorous comparison between Arsenal and Stoke City regarding their approach to set pieces. Berbatov highlighted that Arsenal has become more reliant on set plays, a tactic famously utilized by Stoke City under former manager Tony Pulis. He noted that the prevalence of pushing and shoving in the penalty area during set pieces in the Premier League contrasts sharply with regulations in other leagues. Berbatov's remarks were made during the Amazon Prime's post-match coverage, stirring reactions among fans due to the historic rivalry between Arsenal and Stoke. Arsenal's current manager, Mikel Arteta, has instilled a focus on set pieces within his squad, capitalizing on the height advantage of his players, including Declan Rice. Rice, who stands over six feet tall, is now predominantly involved in taking corner kicks rather than attempting to score directly from them. Berbatov's observations suggest that Arsenal’s current strategy of scoring through set pieces is reminiscent of earlier criticisms aimed at Stoke's physical approach to the game. In stark contrast to their previous, more finesse-oriented playing style, Arsenal now seems to embrace a more pragmatic approach, showing how tactics can evolve over the years. Notably, Berbatov's comparison sparked discussions among fans about how the nature of the teams has changed, especially considering Arsenal's historical reputation for playing beautiful football. Arsenal's current playing style, which focuses on creating chaos in the box and maximizing aerial threats, shares attributes with Stoke's previous methods evident during their prime years. This illustrates a broader shift within English football, where teams are adopting various strategies to maximize effectiveness, often sacrificing aesthetics for results. Fans of both clubs reacted strongly to this comparison, reflecting the long-standing rivalry and differing philosophies on how the game should be played. The match against Manchester United marked not only a significant victory for Arsenal but also highlighted the tactical evolution of the team under Arteta. It remains to be seen how this approach will play out for them in the ongoing season and whether such strategic choices can lead Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League, where they last thrived nearly two decades ago. The juxtaposition of set-piece strategies between two historically different teams illustrates how football tactics are subject to change and adaptation over time.