Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described comparisons between his team and a vintage Stoke City side as a “compliment,” following remarks by former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
The Gunners showcased their prowess from set pieces with two headed goals in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, bringing their tally of goals from set pieces to an impressive 22 over the past two seasons. Berbatov, however, likened Arsenal to the Stoke teams of the 2010s, known for their physicality, long throws, and gritty style of play—a comment intended as a critique but embraced by Arteta.
“I understood very well what [Dimitar] Berbatov said,” Arteta responded. “It was said in the best possible way. We take it as a big compliment. I think [Stoke were so good], yeah.”
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When asked about Arsenal’s “Corner Kings” nickname, Arteta doubled down on his ambitions:
“We want to be the kings of everything. Set pieces, the best in the world. High press, the best in the world. In open spaces, the best in the world. The best atmosphere in the stadium and the best at everything.”
He continued, reflecting on Arsenal’s evolution:
“Before, it was said we didn’t score enough, we were soft defensively, lacked mentality, weren’t physical enough, and couldn’t beat big teams away for years. Now, we want to be the best at everything—academy development, recruitment, coaching, all of it.”
Berbatov’s comments weren’t the only criticisms aimed at Arsenal. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim recently accused Arsenal wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka of deliberately playing for corners. Arteta dismissed this, asserting that his players were simply “exploiting weaknesses” in their opponents.