Dimitar Berbatov labelled Arsenal "the new Stoke City" in a cheeky dig after the Gunners scored twice from set-pieces against Manchester United.
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Arsenal beat Man Utd 2-0Gunners continue to be dangerous from set-piecesHave converted 22 of them since last seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory against United on Wednesday night in the Premier League. Interestingly, Arsenal achieved Wednesday’s victory without one of their primary aerial threats, Gabriel Magalhaes, who has already scored three goals from set-pieces this season. The Brazilian defender was absent due to a minor injury. However, his absence was barely felt as other players stepped up. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a deft finish following a precise delivery from Declan Rice, while William Saliba sealed the win with a header that United’s defence failed to contain.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces has been a defining feature of their season. Since the start of the last campaign, they have scored 22 goals from these scenarios, the most in the Premier League. This has led to comparisons by Berbatov, who likened them to the Stoke City side managed by Tony Pulis from 2006 to 2013. Under Pulis, Stoke earned a reputation for being set-piece specialists, with Rory Delap's long throws being a signature weapon.
WHAT BERBATOV SAID
Speaking on , Berbatov humorously stated: "Probably the Premier League is the only league in the world where you have so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving, making chaos. Normally it is going to be a foul. Not here. You need to be strong. And that's probably why he (Ruben Amorim) was watching from the side, he was like, 'What is going on with my keeper?' You need 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."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Gunners will aim to maintain their momentum and continue applying pressure on leaders Liverpool, who were held to a 3-3 draw by Newcastle at St. James' Park on Wednesday.
