Mikel Arteta pushes back at criticism of Arsenal style and set-piece focus | OneFootball

Arsenal, top of the Premier League, have faced growing scrutiny over their style. On Tuesday, manager Mikel Arteta rejected claims that their approach is overly reliant on set pieces.

As reported by L'Équipe, he said he has adapted to the game’s demands and does not value one kind of goal above another, arguing that online aesthetics do not reflect football’s reality.

He added that, in an ideal world, he would field extra players deep to produce attractive football against a single opponent, but said that is not how the sport is played today. He suggested anyone seeking that brand of football should look to another country, and noted that in the Premier League over the last two or three seasons it has not been the case.

Since the start of the season, Arsenal have scored 16 Premier League goals from corners, including two in the 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.

They visit Brighton on Wednesday at 20:30.

Source: L'Équipe