‘Arsenal are the new Stoke City!’ – Ex-Man Utd star Dimitar Berbatov aims cheeky dig at Arsenal after Gunners win with two goals from corners

What happened?

Arsenal won 2-0 over United in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Surprisingly, Arsenal won Wednesday’s game without one of their main aerial threats, Gabriel Magalhaes, who has already scored three goals from set pieces this season. The Brazilian defender was sidelined owing to a minor injury. However, his absence was barely noticeable as other players stepped up. Jurrien Timber scored with a clever finish after Declan Rice’s excellent delivery, and William Saliba secured the win with a header that United’s defense could not contain.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces has been a standout trait this season. Since the beginning of the previous season, they have scored 22 goals from these circumstances, the highest in the Premier League. Berbatov compared them to the Stoke City side managed by Tony Pulis from 2006 to 2013. Under Pulis, Stoke became known as set-piece specialists, with Rory Delap’s long throws serving as a defining weapon.

What Berbatov Said

Berbatov joked on Amazon Prime Video that the Premier League had the highest number of players crowded around the goalkeeper, causing pandemonium. Normally, it will be a foul. Not here. You have to be strong. And that’s probably why he (Ruben Amorim) was watching from the sidelines, thinking, ‘What is going on with my keeper?’ You should work on that. As we joke, Arsenal is the new Stoke City, correct? Depending on set pieces, you can win, like it was today.”