‘Comparisons are a compliment!’ Former Stoke boss tells Mikel Arteta to embrace set piece revolution

Last Updated on 29 October 2025

Once mocked for his long throws and “rugby-style” tactics, former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis now finds himself vindicated.

The Premier League has officially accepted that set pieces are the way forward. Record number of goals are being scored from set plays and set pieces.

But, unlike in the past, it’s the top brass that is heading the revolution with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal dominating the league with the most set piece goals.

Tony Pulis backs Mikel Arteta amid comparisons to his Stoke City side

While Arsenal fans once jeered Stoke’s physical style, they now celebrate their own set-piece goals with chants of “Set piece again, ole, ole, ole!”. It’s something Tony Pulis finds both ironic and satisfying.

“I think it’s brilliant that Arteta has embraced set-pieces,” he said in his BBC column. “People can criticise, but if you’re winning, that’s all that matters.”

Arsenal’s precision from dead-ball situations has transformed them into one of the most dangerous sides in England, with over 20% of Premier League goals now coming from corners or free-kicks.

Tony Pulis was one of the first to recognize the potential behind set pieces with his 2008 Stoke City side gaining promotion. “We knew if we nailed set-plays in the top end of the pitch, it would help us get results.”

Arsenal’s success points to a simple fact for the rest of the Premier League – adapt or stay behind

Like it or hate it, set pieces are here to stay. At least in the short term.

Tony Pulis pointed out, “Fashions change, what matters is winning.”

And he’s absolutely spot on. Of course, Pep Guardiola’s build up football was pleasing on the eye but it was also a tried and tested formula that delivered results.

That is why even League 2 sides were copying the trends and building out from the back, even when there was little evidence that it would work with lesser quality players.

As far as set plays are concerned, they offer the most direct route into the opposition’s penalty box. It’s the most effective way of scoring goals and all sides successful in the Premier League, so far, have officially embraced the revolution.

As a result, if others don’t adapt to this change, it might be too late for them to achieve their goals this season.

Liverpool, the defending champions, are already suffering with four losses in the Premier League, on the trot and Arne Slot revealed to Sky Sports that his side did not have answers to the way teams targeted them.

That is the reality for the rest of the Premier League, as well. Adapt or stay behind.