Arsenal's new nickname, 'Ugly', has sparked debate among fans and critics alike. The Gunners' boss, Mikel Arteta, has fired back at those who criticize the team's heavy reliance on set pieces, arguing that they are not scoring enough goals from dead-ball situations. Despite the nickname 'Set Piece FC', Arsenal has been on a winning streak, equaling the Premier League record for goals from corners. However, some argue that this success is at the expense of the sport's spectacle, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealing that he no longer enjoys watching some Premier League matches due to the emphasis on set pieces. Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, a Premier League title winner with Blackburn, has even called Arsenal the 'ugliest' Premier League champions if they win the title. Arteta, however, remains unrepentant, insisting that his only concern is making Arsenal even more efficient with set pieces. Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes teams should focus on adapting to the set-piece strategy rather than complaining about it. The debate on whether set pieces are ruining football as a spectacle continues to rage, with different opinions and interpretations from various stakeholders. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the critics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
