Tony Pulis and Arsene Wenger: A Tale of Two Managers
Tony Pulis, the veteran former Stoke City manager, has thrown some interesting light on the managerial evolution in the modern game, particularly when it comes to set-pieces. He has recently commented on the approach of Mikel Arteta, the current Arsenal manager, and has drawn a parallel to his own philosophy. Arteta, at just 42 years old, has been lauded for his team’s prowess in set-piece situations, a trait that Pulis himself was known for during his time at Stoke City. However, Pulis believes that Arsene Wenger, the long-serving and highly respected former Arsenal boss, would not be a fan of Arteta’s focus on set-pieces.
The Arsenal-Arsene Connection
Arsene Wenger, now 75, has a storied history in the English Premier League. His tenure at Arsenal was marked by a commitment to fluid, attacking football and a disdain for what he perceived as more primitive tactics. Wenger’s relationship with Pulis’ Stoke City was particularly contentious. The Frenchman often criticized the Potters’ approach, going so far as to label their tactics as "rugby" in 2010. This comment came after a heated encounter between Stoke and Tottenham, where Wenger accused the Potters of employing overly physical and aggressive play, especially in set-piece situations.
Pulis: Pioneer or Dinosaur?
Despite the criticism, Pulis has always maintained that set-pieces are a crucial aspect of the game. He told the Telegraph, "It’s funny because Arsene brought a lot of good stuff into the game but he couldn’t cope with the belief that set-plays were that important. It was all about the good football he wanted to play, completely different to maybe what I like to see." Pulis was often labeled a "dinosaur" by critics who thought his methods were outdated. However, he now sees a trend in the modern game where his ideas are being embraced. He even jokes about how managers now wear white trainers on the touchline, a style he popularized.
Arteta’s Set-Piece Mastery
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been particularly effective from set-pieces in recent seasons. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, the Gunners have scored 45 goals from set-plays, a testament to the importance Arteta places on these situations. Pulis admires Arteta’s approach, noting, "Arteta has done fantastically well to recognize how important set-plays are. When you look at it, Arsenal have won a hell of a lot of games from them." The Welshman adds that while the current Arsenal manager’s methods might be mocked by rival fans, the results speak for themselves.
Wenger’s Stance and the FA Row
Wenger’s disdain for Pulis’ tactics was not just a matter of personal opinion; it led to a significant controversy in 2010. During a match between Stoke and Tottenham, Wenger was enraged by the physical nature of the game, particularly the actions of Stoke defenders Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth. He stated, "You cannot say it is football any more. It is more rugby on the goalkeepers than football." The comments were so inflammatory that they almost led to an FA charge. Pulis and Stoke City were quick to respond, with the club expressing disappointment and considering formal action against Wenger’s remarks.
A Shift in Football Philosophy
The evolution of football philosophy is evident in the contrasting views of these managers. Wenger’s emphasis on beautiful, flowing football was revolutionary in its time, but it has been complemented, and in some cases, challenged, by a renewed focus on set-pieces and physical play. Pulis, often seen as a traditionalist, has found his ideas gaining new relevance in the modern game. Arteta’s success with set-pieces shows that there is more than one way to achieve results, and that sometimes, the old ways can be just as effective as the new. As the game continues to evolve, the balance between aesthetics and pragmatism remains a topic of ongoing debate.
