Arne Slot has hailed Arsenal as 'by far the best team off the ball in Europe' following their Premier League title triumph this season. The Liverpool manager also remarked that 'football has evolved' after the Gunners secured their first league championship in 22 years.
Arsenal clinched the title this week after Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, ending the race before the final day. Liverpool, who won the league last season under Slot, currently sit fourth ahead of their last match against Brentford on Sunday.
Speaking before that game, Slot congratulated Mikel Arteta but highlighted the unique nature of Arsenal's success, particularly their effectiveness from set-pieces. 'Not a reset but football has evolved, football has changed,' Slot said on Friday. 'First of all, I want to congratulate Arsenal on winning the league, the club, Mikel and his staff for a great accomplishment. Winning the league here is never easy, and they have done a tremendous job this season.'
He added: 'But for me, they have been a different champion than the last time. The last 10 seasons, this league has been won by other teams. First of all, because it is the first time in 30 years that a team had 40 per cent of their goals from set-pieces. I think Luis Enrique said – and I completely agree – they are maybe by far the best team off the ball in our league but also in Europe.'
Arsenal's goal statistics this season underline their set-piece dominance: 69 goals in 37 games, with 22 from set-pieces, 35 from open play, 4 from counter-attacks, 4 penalties, and 4 own goals. Slot emphasized the need for Liverpool to adapt. 'Football has changed, has evolved, and we have to make sure we are able next season to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again with our own brand of football. We have to find the right balance, but we must understand that football has evolved.'
He pointed to Aston Villa's recent goal from a set-piece as an example. 'We have to take that into account, but also that we play a style our fans like, as long as it goes with competing for trophies.'
