Pep Guardiola responds to Arne Slot complaints with honest Arsenal assessment

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Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on the Premier League and set-pieces after Arne Slot said he no longer enjoyed watching top-flight games

Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot

Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City must not shy away from or grumble about set-pieces if it wishes to remain competitive in the Premier League.

The City manager agreed 'in some aspects' with Arne Slot after the Liverpool boss expressed his diminished enjoyment of watching top-flight matches, but stressed that City must adapt or risk falling behind.

Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday saw all three goals netted from corners, taking the Premier League leaders' tally to 16 from corners, equalling the competition record (held by the 1992/93 Oldham team and the 2016/17 West Brom side) with nine fixtures still remaining.

The prevalence of set-pieces this season and the physical battles involved have sparked debates about potential rule changes.

Guardiola refrained from sharing his views on how such incidents are officiated - although he has previously voiced complaints about unpunished fouls on his goalkeeper.

But he acknowledged that the set-piece revolution spearheaded by Arsenal is a reality all teams must confront, whether they like it or not.

"Set-pieces have started to be an important part of the strategies. It was different when I started as a manager. When I was a young boy we said the people in England celebrate corners and free-kicks like a goal," he stated.

"I remember perfectly when I was a young boy, so nothing has changed in that way.

Liverpool takes on Wolves on Tuesday(Image: Getty)

"It is true Arsenal dictate a little bit how they do it and it plays an important role. Four years ago in the NBA, the three-point shot wasn't as involved but the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry [started] to make three points and everyone adapted.

"Now so many teams do it. It's part of the evolution and part of the dynamics.

"You can sit and complain but you have to adapt. It's part of the game. I know the game is stopped with set-pieces, it's not dynamic but it's part of the game.

"You have to adapt and especially adapt in the way it's officiated and conducted in the Premier League.

"Every country has a specific way to do it and every club have specific ways to play with the managers and the teams. I completely understand why Arne [Slot] said that and in some aspects, I agree."