Bukayo Saka has been thrown into an unexpected debate, with ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney defending Arsenal and Tony Pulis’ Stoke City against recent criticism.
The comparison, sparked by Dimitar Berbatov, has drawn reactions for what some see as a lazy take on two vastly different styles of football.
Berbatov’s “Stoke City” Remark
After Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United—secured with two goals from corners—Berbatov quipped that Arsenal had become “the new Stoke City” under Mikel Arteta, a nod to Stoke’s reputation for set-piece dominance during Pulis’ reign.
However, Deeney has rejected the comparison, arguing it disrespects both Pulis’ achievements and Arsenal’s tactical evolution.
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Deeney: A Lazy and Disrespectful Take
In his column for The Sun, Deeney highlighted that dismissing Pulis’ Stoke side as purely a set-piece team undermines their accomplishments.
“Pulis did a wonderful job with a bang-average team, keeping them in the Premier League, and yet it’s ONLY because of their set-pieces? That’s lazy,” Deeney wrote.
Deeney also addressed the suggestion that Saka wouldn’t fit into that Stoke team.
While he acknowledged the different styles, he emphasized that Saka’s talent isn’t in question—it’s simply a case of contrasting philosophies.
“Stoke and Arsenal are worlds apart. If United had won 2-0 from corners, Berbatov would call it a tactical masterclass.
But when Arsenal do it, they’re Stoke? Arsenal dominated possession too—it’s called winning football.”
