Arne Slot's bitter reaction to Arsenal winning Premier League as Liverpool loses crown
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Liverpool officially passed over its title as Premier League champions to Arsenal on Wednesday as the Gunners claimed their first title for 23 years, and Arne Slot made his feelings clear on the matterArne Slot has made a sly dig toward Arsenal when congratulating the team for its Premier League successArne Slot aimed a sly dig at Arsenal following its Premier League title triumph this week by making reference to the number of set-piece goals they had scored this season.The Gunners were officially crowned champions on Wednesday following Manchester City's draw at Bournemouth, meaning they could no longer be caught by Pep Guardiola's side on the final weekend of the season, bringing to an end their 23-year wait for a top-flight title.The result meant that Liverpool officially handed over its title as Premier League champions after more than a year, having offered a disastrous title defense in 2025-26, and Slot made his feelings perfectly clear on the matter.READ MORE: Every word Arne Slot said on Mo Salah statement, Alisson and Isak injury latest and summer plansREAD MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Samuel Martinez deal, Slot future, Alisson boost"But let me, in this position, congratulate Arsenal [on] winning the league, the club, Mikel [Arteta] and his staff for a great accomplishment," Slot began during his pre-Brentford press conference on Friday."Winning the league here in England is never easy, and they've done a tremendous job this season, so congratulations to them. First of all, because it's the first time in 30 years that a team had 40 percent of their goals they had from set-pieces."Content cannot be displayed without consentIt was a subtle dig at Arsenal 's set-piece tactics from Slot, despite clearly trying to pass it off as praise for Arteta's side, and he soon drew criticism online, with CBS Sports football correspondent James Benge, in particular, going to great lengths to refute the Dutchman's claim."Strictly speaking, it's just under 35% of Premier League goals, 30% in all competitions for Arsenal," Benge wrote on X, before providing calculations for Liverpool's own set-piece accord."In all competitions, Liverpool have scored 28% of their goals from set pieces.
In 2026, it's 35%. Liverpool has adapted because, until the laws change, why wouldn't you?"Arsenal has emerged as one of the most proficient teams in the top-flight when it comes to set pieces in recent seasons.
This strategy has proven highly successful, as shown by their Premier League title success, though some remain skeptical, criticizing their more physical approach.Arsenal has enjoyed plenty of set-piece success this season(Image: Getty Images)Back in March, Slot again commented on Arsenal's set-piece routines, which often include heavy focus on surrounding the goalkeeper, saying it is something "you have to accept."In response, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie stated that he is unfazed by the criticism of his team's playing style, as long as it leads to Premier League glory."Our set-piece strength is talked about all over Europe. That's the result of daily training with our set-piece coach, Nico Jover," Hincapie said.