'40% from set-pieces': Arne Slot delivers verdict on Arsenal Premier League title win

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Evening Standard

·22 maggio 2026

'40% from set-pieces': Arne Slot delivers verdict on Arsenal Premier League title win

Slot has congratulated Arteta for Arsenal’s title triumph

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has said Arsenal are a “different champion” to previous Premier League winners.

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Slot led Liverpool to English football’s ultimate prize last season, clinching the title with four games to spare and finishing ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

This campaign, however, the Reds have not been considered serious contenders to the Gunners, who were confirmed as champions after nearest challengers Manchester City drew away at Bournemouth.

In order to compete for next season’s Premier League title, ex-Feyenoord head coach Slot believes Liverpool must match Arsenal and Man City, but with their own brand of football.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s final game of the Premier League season against Brentford, Slot said: “Let me congratulate Arsenal on winning the league. The club, Mikel Arteta and his staff – it is a great accomplishment.

“Winning the Premier League is never easy and they have done a tremendous job this season but for me they have been a different champion to the teams the last 10 seasons.

“First of all because it is the first time in 30 years 40% of their goals are from set-pieces. Luis Enrique said it and I agree with him, they are by far the best team off the ball in the Premier League – but I also think in Europe.

“So football has changed and evolved and we have to make sure we are able to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City next season with our own brand of football. We have to find the right balance and know and understand football has changed and evolved.”

Kai Havertz scored from a set-piece as Arsenal beat Burnley

PA

Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, 23 points behind the new champions.

Although they control their own destiny, Liverpool are not yet assured of Champions League football, requiring a draw against Brentford to confirm their place among Europe’s elite for next season.

The Reds’ poor defence of last season’s Premier League crown has led to speculation surrounding Slot’s job security.

Slot signed a three-year contract upon his arrival on Merseyside, committing the Dutchman to Liverpool until the end of the 2026/27 season.