Tony Pulis has praised Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta for his team’s ability to score goals from set pieces despite criticism from opposing coaches and supporters.
Pulis compared this criticism to his time at Stoke City, a team renowned for their set-piece goals and direct style of play.
According to The Irish Examiner, the former manager of Stoke, Crystal Palace, and West Bromwich Albion focused on the emergence of set-pieces in the modern game and how more teams—mainly the current Premier League table toppers—are exploiting them as a secret weapon in his new BBC column, “Going Direct.”
During his time as a Premier League manager, the Welshman emphasized that he didn’t care what people thought or said about his philosophy because it was beneficial to his team and frequently produced significant outcomes.
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Although Arteta may have set higher standards with Arsenal, it is clear that he has adopted the same mindset, and thus far, it has benefited his club.
Pulis Slams Wenger For Criticizing His Style Of Play At Stoke City
Pulis also criticized former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger for his attitude toward Stoke and their style of play at the time.
“I do find it funny that 10 or 12 years ago, I was taking a lot of flak from Gunners supporters and Arsene Wenger was saying that Stoke were a rugby team because of our corner routines and long throws.
“That’s another reason why I have got nothing but respect for Arteta, because he has seen all of that at the time and just thought, ‘you know what, doing that could help us’.
“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.”
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