Mikel Arteta slams Ruben Amorim corner claim after Arsenal beat Man Utd
The win, fuelled by two goals from dead-ball situations, showcased Arsenal's tactical edge in front of a jubilant Emirates Stadium crowd
Mikel Arteta has downplayed claims made by Ruben Amorim about Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces, following the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
The win, fuelled by two goals from dead-ball situations, showcased Arsenal’s tactical edge in front of a jubilant Emirates Stadium crowd.
Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock early in the second half, heading home Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint delivery just nine minutes after the restart.
Arsenal doubled their lead when William Saliba scrambled the ball over the line after Thomas Partey expertly redirected a corner into a crowded six-yard box.
The result highlighted Arsenal’s remarkable efficiency from set-pieces, taking their tally to 22 goals in this category since the start of last season – the most by any English team during that period.
Ruben Amorim, observing Arsenal’s tactical nuances, suggested that wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli deliberately seek corners by targeting opposition full-backs and drawing play toward the corner flag.
However, Arteta was quick to dismiss these claims.
“Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club,” the Spaniard said.
“Not because of only set pieces, [but] because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments.
“A lot of players can create their own goals.
“We can create goals from short counters and long counters, slow build-ups, restarts and the opportunity to open up the opposition.
“Every single phase of play let’s maximise it, keep working on it, keep improving.”
He added: “No, we play with inverted wingers (in a direct response to Amorim). They develop a lot inside so there’s not a lot of space inside.
“When they leave there is a lot of space for the full-back or for the six, if not then for the nine, if not you can go outside. We need to look at every angle.
“What they do, where they can be weak and where we can exploit the weakness of the opposition.”
The victory solidifies Arsenal’s position as one of the most tactically adaptable teams in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta keen to silence detractors while keeping his side firmly in the title race.
Read more: Pep Guardiola makes Kevin De Bruyne admission as Manchester City end nightmare run
Declan Rice insists Arsenal remain in Premier League title race after Man United win
Arne Slot not surprised Mohamed Salah keeps delivering “special” performance for Liverpool
