ARTETA HITS BACK: ARSENAL BOSS UNAPOLOGETIC ABOUT "RUTHLESS" CORNER TACTICS BEFORE BRIGHTON CLASH
Mikel Arteta isn't backing down! Read about Arsenal's record-tying corner goals and the "time-wasting" row with Brighton's Hurzeler.
Mikel Arteta isn’t losing sleep over the criticism of Arsenal’s set-piece tactics, even after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler stirred things up before their Wednesday clash by taking a few shots at Arsenal’s style. Set pieces have become a big deal in the Premier League this season, and honestly, Arsenal are running the show. That kind of dominance is bound to ruffle some feathers.
Sunday’s win over Chelsea made it pretty clear that both Arsenal goals came from corners. That puts them at 19 set-piece goals in 29 league games, five more than Newcastle and a whopping 12 ahead of Brighton. Brighton might not score as many from set pieces, but they’re tough to break down, having conceded just five set-piece goals, the best defensive record in the league.
This whole debate blew up again after Liverpool’s Arne Slot complained that set pieces are ruining the flow of matches, making games less fun to watch. Stats back it up: nearly 28% of Premier League goals this season have come from non-penalty set pieces, the highest since 2009-10.
Hurzeler didn’t hold back when asked for his take on Tuesday. He pointed fingers at Arsenal, saying set pieces mess with the game’s rhythm and that there aren’t clear rules about how long teams can take for corners or throw-ins. “Some of the blocking or the way teams are blocking, there’s no clear rule; sometimes it’s a foul, sometimes it’s not,” he said. His main gripe? He wants clear rules on how much time teams can waste. “When Arsenal are leading and have a corner, sometimes they take over a minute just to kick the ball. We end up with 50 minutes of actual game time instead of 65. The difference is huge.”
He added, “Fans pay a lot to watch us play. They want to see football, not 40 minutes of standing around while the ball isn’t in play.”
Arteta faced the criticism in his press conference. When asked if he thinks other teams would love to be as ruthless on set pieces as Arsenal, he didn’t hesitate. “I want us to be the best. I get frustrated that we don’t score more and that we still concede, too,” he said. “We want to dominate every part of the game. That’s our goal as a team and as a club. So let’s keep pushing.”
And as for the critics? Arteta just shrugged: “Part of the job.”
HOW MIKEL ARTETA’S TACTICAL PATIENCE SECURED ARSENAL’S HISTORIC NINE POINT LEAGUE LEAD
Mikel Arteta reflects on Arsenal's defining 2-0 win over Everton, moving the Gunners ten points clear at the top.
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Mikel Arteta reflected on Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win over Everton, a result that extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points. The goals came late in the game from Viktor Gyökeres and Max Dowman, and with the tension high at the Emirates, this match might well stand out as a defining moment in the club’s journey this season.
He described the past couple of months as remarkable, highlighting the team’s presence across all competitions and their consistent approach of treating every match as decisive. Of course, performances vary; some days they’re solid, sometimes exceptional, and occasionally not at their best, but what impresses Arteta most is the team's persistent hunger to win.
The challenge against Everton was significant. Arteta pointed out their quality and coaching, noting how dangerous they were whenever they approached the box and just how tough they made it to break them down. As the game wore on, the pressure to secure the victory increased, which required the team to remain composed and mature. Arteta praised both the players and the crowd for their patience, waiting for the right moments to strike rather than forcing the issue prematurely.
At 0-0, he was visibly pushing hard for a breakthrough, stressing the importance of collective effort; the players were giving their all, and the support staff were fully engaged to back them. Viktor’s goal, in particular, stood out not just because it put the game beyond doubt but also for the way his presence and pace changed the dynamic whenever he was involved. Max Dowman’s energy was also a key factor in lifting the stadium atmosphere.
Arteta also acknowledged the contributions of other players like Gabriel Martinelli and Cristian Mosquera, especially when Jurrien Timber was unavailable. This adaptability has been a recurring theme throughout the season. The impact of the squad members stepping up when called upon underlines why the team is where it is now.
Finally, Arteta touched on the camaraderie within the dressing room; even when his decisions might not always be popular or seem fair, the players accept them with a shared goal to help the team succeed. This mindset, he believes, speaks volumes about the character of the group he’s working with.
WHY JOHN TERRY COMPARES ARSENAL’S MAX DOWMAN TO LIONEL MESSI
John Terry labels Max Dowman "incredible" after the 16-year-old becomes the youngest Premier League scorer in Arsenal's win.
John Terry has showered praise on Max Dowman after the Arsenal youngster set a new record as the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history. At just 16 years old, Dowman grabbed attention with a standout performance that helped Arsenal secure a vital 2-0 victory against Everton.
Dowman, an attacking midfielder who’s been training with Arsenal’s first team since he was 14, came off the bench to assist Viktor Gyokeres' late goal in the 89th minute and then wrapped things up with a goal of his own during added time. Terry, who has encountered Dowman through his coaching role at Chelsea’s academy, was clearly impressed by the teenager’s talent.
On his TikTok page, Terry described Dowman as “an incredible player” and compared his ability to glide past opponents to none other than Lionel Messi, a comparison he acknowledged as huge but felt well-deserved. Terry sees Dowman as a key figure for Arsenal’s future and potentially for the England national team too.
Switching gears, Terry also commented on a strange incident involving Chelsea’s referee, Paul Tierney, who found himself surrounded by Chelsea players during their pre-match huddle before a game against Newcastle. Terry didn’t hold back, calling the referee’s presence there “unacceptable” and suggesting the players should have made it clear he didn’t belong in that moment.
Chelsea’s unusual pre-match ritual of gathering near the centre circle isn't new, but surrounding the referee like that is unprecedented. Tierney appeared confused as players leaned in close, with Cole Palmer even speaking directly to him after the huddle. There was a light moment too, with Enzo Fernandez laughing awkwardly at the scene.
The whole episode lasted about 30 seconds and left viewers puzzled. Tierney didn’t try to break free from the cluster of players. It seemed like a genuine team talk, but Palmer’s unusual attention to Tierney – he even hugged the referee from behind – stood out.
After the match, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior addressed the situation, defending his players' decision to show unity around the ball. He stressed it wasn’t his call but that of the team leadership. Rosenior insisted the huddle wasn’t disrespectful to the opposition and criticised Tierney, calling for the PGMOL to ensure referees focus on their job and make the right decisions, like awarding a penalty he believed his side deserved.
Ultimately, Rosenior’s point was clear: the emphasis should be on fair calls on the pitch rather than eccentric pre-match interactions. Meanwhile, Max Dowman’s exceptional debut remains the highlight of the weekend, promising an exciting future ahead.
