DIMITAR Berbatov has dubbed Arsenal “the new Stoke City” after their corner masterclass against Manchester United.
The Gunners, who sit third in the Prem, scored two second-half goals from set-pieces in their 2-0 win over United last night.
Arsenal have scored 22 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season – more than any other team in the Premier League.
And Mikel Arteta’s side are showing no signs of slowing down after another two goals from corners on Wednesday evening.
But that has led to some stark comparisons from Berbatov, who suggested Arsenal are the modern day version of Tony Pulis’ finest.
Former United star Berbatov said on Amazon Prime: “Probably the Premier League is the only league in the world where you have so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving, making chaos.
“Normally it is going to be a foul. Not here. You need to be strong.
“And that’s probably why Ruben Amorim was watching from the side, he was like, ‘What is going on with my keeper?’
“You need to work on that. As we joke, Arsenal are the new Stoke City, right? Depending on set-pieces, which can give you the win, as it was today.”
Gabriel has already scored three Prem goals from set-pieces this season, but his absence wasn’t missed as he sat out with a minor knock.
Instead, Jurrien Timber glanced Declan Rice’s corner beyond Andre Onana in the 54th minute.
The Gunners doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time from the opposite side when Bukayo Saka’s back-post delivery was headed back across by Thomas Partey, with William Saliba providing the finishing touch.
Arsenal’s deficit to Prem leaders Liverpool has dropped to seven points after the Reds drew 3-3 away at Newcastle on the same night.
Stoke, meanwhile, prided themselves on their physicality under Pulis during his reign from 2006 to 2013.
Rory Delap’s long throw was often their main ammunition when it came to creating chances.
Arsenal have scored 41 corner goals in the top-flight since the summer of 2021, seven more than anyone else.
It was the first time in 10 years that United conceded two goals from corners in a Prem match.
The last time was when Samuel Eto’o scored twice in Chelsea‘s 3-1 win in January 2014.
Amoirm, meanwhile, said: “The set pieces changed the game. We could’ve been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box.
“Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game.
“They can put a lot of players near the goalkeeper and it’s almost impossible to fight for the ball but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.
“We were committed and we lost to the set pieces.”
There were just five shots in the opening 45 minutes — three for Arsenal and two for United.
It marked the fewest shots in the first half of any top-flight fixture so far this season.
Meanwhile, former Everton gaffer and current Portugal boss Roberto Martinez backed Berbatov’s comments.
He said on Amazon Prime: “We all suffered Stoke. I think it is a great credit to remember Tony Pulis.”
Chelsea climbed above Arsenal on goal difference, as a result of their 5-1 win at Southampton.
And the Red Devils dropped to 11th with Nottingham Forest travelling to Old Trafford on Saturday.
Arsenal ratings vs Manchester United
ARSENAL were comfortable 2-0 winners over Manchester United at the Emirates thanks to two goals from set-pieces.
Check out how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
One of his poorer games with ball at feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so pin-point.
All that can be forgotten after a stunning fingertip stop to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7
A reminder of why he is such a valuable squad player these days. Came in from out of the cold with a solid and resolute performance at the back.
The only blip was a lapse in concentration meaning he was forced to foul Amad and pick up a needless yellow card.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 9
Missed his defensive partner but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with some nice turns and drives up the pitch.
So he deserved his luck for his goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflecting off his backside.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 8
Struggled physically against Hojlund from United goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.
Saying that, he grew into his role and really put in a shift under pressure, even getting high fives from Saliba at one point.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Link-up with Saka down the right flank was not as fluid as in recent weeks, yet he was brave to win the flick on to open the scoring in the second half.
Switched to left-back late on, showing off further his versatility and usefulness to Arteta and Arsenal
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Missed a sitter from a near-post corner that he shouldered wide early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time after time with sloppy passes.
Moved to right back with 20 minutes left only to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Struggled to assert his authority in the first half but fixed that after the break, providing the whipped corner assist for Timber.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Leads by example, even if he cannot sprinkle a big of magic into proceedings. His pressing and all-round work rate was more important in this one.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Shinned a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was committed in defence in the second half to help out Zinchenko against Amad.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Pushed Malacia back and Arsenal up the pitch with his great runs in behind, a constant threat.
His corner abilities – teeing up Saliba’s gaol – is just another string to his bow.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
A real quiet one from the German, not that he had much service to feed off. Wore out his boots with plenty of running and battled with De Ligt and Maguire well.
Missed a glorious chance to wrap up the game in a one-on-one with Onana.
SUBS:
MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7
Leaped brilliantly from yet another corner unmarked and no clue how he didn’t find the bottom corner.
LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6
A couple of breakaways almost created openings. The added energy down the left was well received.
JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A
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