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Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis has praised Mikel Arteta for embracing the power of set-pieces, suggesting the Arsenal boss will see comparisons with his old Stoke City side as a compliment rather than an insult.

Arsenal have been the set-piece kings of English football in recent months, turning corners, indirect free-kicks and even long throws into vital weapons. The Gunners have taken that threat to another level this season, scoring 11 Premier League goals from set-pieces alone – a remarkable 69 per cent of their total league goals so far.

While many have praised Arsenal’s tactical evolution, it has also sparked criticism from outsiders, with some labelling them “set-piece FC” and comparing them to Pulis’s Stoke teams of the early 2010s.

Pulis praises Arteta’s approach

The former Stoke and West Brom manager, known for his pragmatic and physically dominant sides, shared his admiration for Arteta’s tactical adaptability in his BBC column.

“I think it’s brilliant that Arteta has embraced set-pieces and, like me, I don’t think he will give a damn about the people who want to knock him for doing it,” Pulis wrote.

“We saw that from the Arsenal fans, who were singing ‘set-piece again, ole ole ole’ when Eberechi Eze got on the end of Declan Rice’s free-kick for their winner against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“I do find it funny that 10 or 12 years ago, I was taking a lot of flak from Gunners supporters and Arsène Wenger was saying that Stoke were a rugby team because of our corner routines and long throws.”

Arteta’s evolution earns respect
The 67-year-old added that he believes Arteta will view the comparisons as a sign of respect, saying: “Wenger is probably shaking his head about what Arsenal are doing but I know Arteta sees the Stoke comparisons as a compliment and so do the other Premier League managers who are doing the same.”

Arsenal’s dominance from set-plays, combined with their outstanding defensive record, has put them in an excellent position to challenge for major honours this season. They currently lead the Premier League by four points and sit joint top of their UEFA Champions League league phase group.

There will be twists and turns before May, but Arteta’s men will be confident that their blend of structure, precision and resilience could finally end their 21-year wait for the Premier League title.

Paul Merson insists that Arsenal “look unbeatable” on current form as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Burnley 2-0 to cement their place at the top of the table.

Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday, although second-placed Bournemouth could close the gap when they face Manchester City on Sunday, after overcoming the newly-promoted Clarets to get the three points.

Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice put the Gunners two goals up within the first 35 minutes of the match to give Arsenal a comfortable victory at Turf Moor.

Merson was very impressed by their performance against the Clarets and insists Arsenal midfielder Rice in particular was “phenomenol” against Scott Parker’s side.

Merson said on Sky Sports: “At the moment, Arsenal look unbeatable.

“They defend so well. Apart from the free-kick that hit the post with the last kick, Burnley never looked like scoring.

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“Everything that comes into the box is cleared. They head everything and they have two defenders that want to defend, and two full backs that want to stop crosses.

“Then there’s Declan Rice. He wouldn’t have been far off a 10 out of 10 against Burnley. He just doesn’t stop all game. It was a phenomenal performance.

“My only worry for Arsenal is they looked a completely different side when Viktor Gyokeres was forced off. They were nowhere near the same team.

“Mikel Merino came on and he knitted the play together well but they never really got up the pitch and threatened in the second half.

“But right now they are a well-oiled machine with a lot of talent in that machine, and that is very unusual.

“They are an efficient machine but have so much talent. That is not a good cocktail for everyone else.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was very impressed by his side’s performance on the road as they made it nine wins in a row in all competitions.

It was their fifth win on the bounce in the Premier League and Arteta used “exceptional” twice to describe his side’s display against Burnley.

Arteta said: “The first half was exceptional, we scored two goals and gave nothing away, so that was the platform.

“We had to make a few changes and didn’t have that much control in the second half. Our defending was exceptional again, we didn’t give anything away.

“There is a reason they [Burnley] have lost one game [at home] in 18 months, and that was against Liverpool in the last second of the game.”

An injury expert has predicted how long Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi could be out for after both Arsenal stars were withdrawn against Burnley.

The Gunners increased their lead at the Premier League summit to seven points on Saturday, although second-placed Bournemouth could go back to four points behind if they beat Manchester City on Sunday, after Mikel Arteta’s side defeated Burnley 2-0.

Gyokeres and Declan Rice scored the goals as Arsenal made easy work of their match against the Clarets, who only had four shots all game.

As well as scoring, Gyokeres performed well with Arsenal boss Arteta hailing his overall display as “exceptional” in his post-match interviews.

Arteta told reporters: “I think it was one of the best games that he’s played. I think that overall his performance was exceptional apart from the goal.

When asked what impressed him specifically about the Swede’s display, Arteta added: “Everything. His high press, his position and his touches. His threat in behind, the way he linked play, the way he gets us from these situations to transition moments. I think he was in a really good moment. It’s a shame that he felt something.”

However, Gyokeres was taken off at half-time with a muscle issue, while Arsenal midfielder Zubimendi was also taken off after receiving treatment in the second half.

And now injury expert ‘Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis‘ on X has eased Arsenal fans’ worries that either injury could be anything long term.

The account on X wrote: ‘Viktor Gyökeres was taken off at half-time vs Burnley after “feeling something muscular.” Arteta says he’ll be assessed.

‘By the sounds of things, it looks more like tightness or a Grade 1 strain rather than a big injury. Tightness/fatigue: <1 week. Grade 1 strain: 2–4 weeks.

‘Martin Zubimendi was also withdrawn after treatment, but with no clear in-game mechanism, it profiles more as muscle fatigue/overload from the recent run of games.

‘Likely day-to-day unless scans show more. Double knock on an otherwise dominant Arsenal display. Doesn’t sound like anything too major to worry about though.’

On his side’s performance overall, Arsenal boss Arteta added: “Extremely pleased because it’s a really tough place to come. I think we were exceptional from the first minute. I think we were so dominant, very fluent, we scored two goals and we could have scored another three or four.

“[We need to] take that energy, that belief, that courage. Understand as well the things that we have to do better, that we could have done better, especially here in the second half, and continue on Tuesday, another one, on Saturday, another one. So the games are coming thick and fast.”

Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi both left Arsenal’s 2–0 win over Burnley on Saturday with injury issues, manager Mikel Arteta has revealed.

Goals from Gyökeres and Declan Rice got the job done for Arsenal in convincing fashion, with the Gunners creating a number of good chances from open play which has not always been easy for Arteta’s side in recent weeks.

While the win saw Arsenal move seven points clear at the top of the table ahead of Bournemouth’s meeting with Manchester City on Sunday, it was not all positive for the Gunners. Gyökeres did not return for the second half, before Zubimendi limped off with around 15 minutes remaining.

“Before that I think [Gyökeres] was one of the best games he’s played,” Arteta said. “I think overall his performance was exceptional. A part of the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see.”

Speaking to Match of the Day, Arteta confirmed Gyökeres’s complaint was muscular. “We have to wait to learn the extent of that,” he concluded.

A similar issue struck down Zubimendi in the second half, with Arteta adding: “He asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“Muscular, yes. I don’t know. Muscular, yeah.”

Arteta: Best Half of the Season, Gyökeres’s Best Game

While Arsenal’s control of the game faded in the second half, they rarely felt under pressure as they comfortably repelled Burnley’s threat. That defensive performance pleased Arteta, but the boss wanted to keep the focus on the dominant nature of their first-half showing, led by Gyökeres in attack.

“His high press, his position and his touches, his threat in behind, the way he linked play, the way he gets us from these situations to transition moments…” Arteta beamed. “A lot. I think he was in a really good moment. It’s a shame that he felt something.

“I think we started the game exceptionally well. I think the first half was one of the best that we’ve played. Scored two goals, generated another two or three big chances and conceded nothing.

“That was a platform because in the second half we dropped the standard, especially with the ball and with our intentions to take more risks, to play more forward. But again, defensively, we were exceptional.”

Arsenal secured another win and another clean sheet away to Burnley on Saturday, but there were a couple of fitness concerns after the game.

Mikel Arteta played down Viktor Gyokeres’ withdrawal as a “little niggle”, but added that they don’t yet know the full extent of the muscle problem.

“We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle, muscular, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta said. “I think he was in a really good moment. It’s a shame that he felt something.”

As for Martin Zubimendi, Arteta only confirmed that it was the player’s decision to withdraw from the contest.

“Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta added.

At least for Zubimendi, the midfielder is suspended for Arsenal’s midweek game against Slavia Prague anyway, so he can rest up and recover until next weekend.

Though Arsenal will be sweating on Gyokeres and Zubimendi, as well as waiting for a clearer timeline on Gabriel Martinelli’s absence, the good news ahead of the Burnley clash is that Arteta is expecting at least some of his other injured players back after the international break.

Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus are Arsenal’s four longer-term absentees, and Jesus isn’t expected back for at least another month or so.

But from the other three, Arteta suggested he’s hopeful at least “some” of them will be back in time to face Spurs on November 23rd.

“It’s difficult to put a game, you know — we have the international break, which is a two-week break there. And after that, I think we’ll have some back,” Arteta said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them or some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

To even get two of Madueke, Odegaard, and Havertz back for the north London derby would be a big boost, as all three can offer a lot to Arsenal in attacking areas.

Arsenal fans will be keeping fingers crossed on Gyokeres that his withdrawal against Burnley was mostly precautionary, but if the Swedish striker is out for any length of time then Havertz’s return becomes even more significant.

In the meantime, Arsenal still have to play away to Slavia Prague and Sunderland AFC before the November internationals get underway.

Gary Neville has ruled Manchester City out of the title race and believes Liverpool are the ‘only’ team capable of denying Arsenal the Premier League trophy.

Arsenal’s serene progress in the Premier League this season continued on Saturday as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Burnley 2-0.

First-half goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice earned the Gunners their ninth successive win in all competitions, while a remarkably tight defence kept a seventh clean sheet in a row.

Arsenal are the short favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and Neville fully expects the trophy to be heading to the Emirates Stadium.

Neville is in fact ‘confident’ that Arteta will finally get his hands on the trophy and has questioned where Arsenal’s biggest challenge will come from.

The ex-Manchester United and England defender doubts Manchester City will mount a title charge despite ‘genius’ Pep Guardiola at the helm and says the ‘only’ real challenge could come from Liverpool.

Arne Slot was bidding to retain the trophy this season but oversaw four successive league defeats before Saturday’s much-needed 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

‘Look, Arsenal can lose the title from here,’ ex-England defender Neville, who won the Premier League eight times at Manchester United, told NBC Sports.

‘I understand why Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal players and even the fans will play down the idea that they have to win it this season.

‘But they’re the most consistent team and they’ve been building up to this now for three or four seasons.

‘I actually tipped them for the title for the past three seasons and they’ve obviously fallen short. I thought they should have been there last season when Liverpool won it because I thought if Man City dropped off, Arsenal had to be the team to do it.

‘There won’t be many people making excuses for Arsenal this season and that’s not me applying pressure to Arsenal, I just think they’re the best team in the league and they’ve got the right squad.

‘It’s only November so it’s crazy to suggest you should win the league from here – but they should and if you’re not Mikel Arteta or an Arsenal player you can say that quite confidently.

‘The reason I say I’m confident Arsenal will win the league is because you always think about what can stop a team. If Liverpool lost Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah in previous seasons they would be in trouble.

‘But I can’t think of any player Arsenal might lose now and it would mean they would lose the title… even the two centre-backs because of the summer signings.

‘Every position is covered. Bukayo Saka was that player in the past but Noni Madueke came in when he was injured. Everywhere they are properly doubled up with the same level of quality or only a small drop-off.

‘So who’s going to take it off them? Arsenal would have to beat themselves not to win it.

‘I don’t think Man City are going to get back to a level they they’ve been at previously and come back at Arsenal. Pep Guardiola is a genius but he hasn’t got the players or the team playing at the level needed.

‘Liverpool are the only team but they would have to get back on track very quickly.’

Just as one big Arsenal injury boost arrived, Mikel Arteta has been handed two fresh concerns.

The Gunners secured their ninth consecutive victory on Saturday at the expense of newly-promoted Burnley with Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice on target.

The victory has taken them seven points clear of Bournemouth and Liverpool at the end of play on Saturday following the latter’s triumph over Aston Villa. Arsenal find themselves in a great position, but Arteta will be worried about the fitness of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi going forward after both were forced off.

William Saliba returning to the fold was one welcome sight at least, but there will be real worries over Arsenal’s attacking options if Gyokeres is out especially as Kai Havertz remains unavailable. With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Gunners injury news and the potential return dates for their absent stars.

Viktor Gyokeres

Mikel Merino replaced Gyokeres at half-time of the win over Burnley with Arteta later confirming it was due to a potential injury.

What Arteta has said: “I think overall his performance was exceptional. A part of the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see.”

Martin Zubimendi

Arteta also revealed that a possible muscular issue was the reason for Zubimendi being withdrawn.

What Arteta has said: “And Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli missed the win over Burnley having still not recovered from the issue picked up last weekend.

What Arteta has said: “Yeah, it looks as well that he’s going to be out. We have to again do some more tests and see the extent of the injury, but this game is going to be early for him.”

Possible return date: Sunderland (A) – Saturday, November 8

Martin Odegaard

Odegaard is still recovering from a knee injury but Arteta is hopeful of having him, Madueke and Havertz back after the international break.

What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

“There’s no definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. It’s very unlucky what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be [after the next Int’ break], but we’ll have to see how he progresses. It’s too early to give an answer.”

Possible return date: Tottenham (H) – Sunday, November 23.

Kai Havertz

Havertz has been missing since August with a minor procedure required to fix a knee problem.

What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

Noni Madueke

Madueke is another absentee because of a knee injury, but is expected back this month.

What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has been out of action since early January after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.

What Jesus has said: “I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.

“So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.

“When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”

Just as one big Arsenal injury boost arrived, Mikel Arteta has been handed two fresh concerns.

The Gunners secured their ninth consecutive victory on Saturday at the expense of newly-promoted Burnley with Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice on target.

The victory has taken them seven points clear of Bournemouth and Liverpool at the end of play on Saturday following the latter’s triumph over Aston Villa. Arsenal find themselves in a great position, but Arteta will be worried about the fitness of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi going forward after both were forced off.

William Saliba returning to the fold was one welcome sight at least, but there will be real worries over Arsenal’s attacking options if Gyokeres is out especially as Kai Havertz remains unavailable. With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Gunners injury news and the potential return dates for their absent stars.

Viktor Gyokeres

Mikel Merino replaced Gyokeres at half-time of the win over Burnley with Arteta later confirming it was due to a potential injury.

What Arteta has said: “I think overall his performance was exceptional. A part of the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see.”

Martin Zubimendi

Arteta also revealed that a possible muscular issue was the reason for Zubimendi being withdrawn.

What Arteta has said: “And Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli missed the win over Burnley having still not recovered from the issue picked up last weekend.

What Arteta has said: “Yeah, it looks as well that he’s going to be out. We have to again do some more tests and see the extent of the injury, but this game is going to be early for him.”

Possible return date: Sunderland (A) – Saturday, November 8

Martin Odegaard

Odegaard is still recovering from a knee injury but Arteta is hopeful of having him, Madueke and Havertz back after the international break.

What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

“There’s no definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. It’s very unlucky what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be [after the next Int’ break], but we’ll have to see how he progresses. It’s too early to give an answer.”

Possible return date: Tottenham (H) – Sunday, November 23.

Kai Havertz

Havertz has been missing since August with a minor procedure required to fix a knee problem.

What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

Noni Madueke

Madueke is another absentee because of a knee injury, but is expected back this month.

What Arteta has said: “I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing. Difficult to put a game… We have an Int’ break, and after that, I think we’ll have some back. I don’t know if it’s going to be all of them, some of them, but we’ll be quite close by then.”

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has been out of action since early January after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

What Arteta has said: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.

What Jesus has said: “I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.

“So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.

“When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”

Arsenal picked up a 2-0 Premier League win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The Gunners were favourites to beat the Clarets on the road, and they delivered a quality performance.

Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice were the goalscorers in the first half. Arsenal could have easily scored more goals.

Speaking after the game, Arteta spoke personally to the Arsenal media and he was asked about Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian had a mixed debut campaign amid multiple injuries, but the left-back has been phenomenal this term.

Arteta said that the 23-year-old is ‘very good’ and has been ‘really stable’ this season with ‘some big performances’.

He said: “Very good. He’s been really stable, some big performances. He’s a big contributor to what we’re doing defensively as well.

“He gives us a lot in attack with his position and his threat. He continues to create chaos for the opposition.”

Calafiori had a relatively comfortable game against the Clarets. He completed 91 percent of his passes at Turf Moor.

The Italian was well aware of Kyle Walker’s overlapping threat. He made six clearances alongside three recoveries.

He also won four ground and aerial duels with a solitary tackle. The left-back had one brilliant chance to score.

The £35 million-rated star has been an undisputed starter in the league this campaign ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly had a stellar breakthrough season last term, but Calafiori’s form has kept the graduate out of the line-up.

Still, the former Bologna man can’t afford to drop his performance levels with a very talented replacement in the squad.

Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after picking up a ninth-straight win in all competitions.

The Gunners will aim for a tenth consecutive win when they take on Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Arteta is likely to swap Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly. The latter is poised to make his third consecutive European start.