At a Glance:
Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday.
The Gunners are four points clear of Manchester City with one match left to play.
Arne Slot has congratulated Mikel Arteta’s team, whilst also subtly dismissing the North Londoners’ success.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has had his say on Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, and it’s fair to suggest that his comments haven’t gone down well amongst Gunners supporters.
Mikel Arteta’s men were officially crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday night when Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The result on the south coast confirmed City’s inability to catch Arsenal on the final day, thus ending the North London club’s 22-year wait for a league title.
Jubilant scenes unfolded on the streets of North London and at the Gunners’ training ground, with wild celebrations continuing long into the night. While everyone associated with Arsenal is understandably over the moon, not everybody on the outside is quite as complimentary about their achievement.
The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions. pic.twitter.com/gNnfzesrhP
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026
What Arne Slot said about Arsenal’s title triumph
Arsenal have been lamented for their style of play throughout this season. Many have argued that Arteta’s functional team haven’t merited their status as champions due to their inherently pragmatic approach and reliance on set-pieces.
While most are able to recognise that Arsenal have simply been the best team in the league and these aforementioned factors are a huge part of the game, critics have struggled to acknowledge this.
One who has consistently been sceptical of the Gunners’ success is Liverpool boss Slot. The Dutchman has bemoaned Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency on more than one occasion, and he’s now brought this up when asked about Arteta’s team’s title victory.
Slot: "Let me congratulate Arsenal on winning the league. Winning it here in England is never easy and they have done a tremendous job. 40% of their goals have come from set-pieces. Football has changed and evolved.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 22, 2026
“Let me congratulate Arsenal on winning the league,” he said.
“Winning it here in England is never easy, and they have done a tremendous job. 40% of their goals have come from set-pieces. Football has changed and evolved.”
While Slot did congratulate Arsenal and acknowledge the size of the achievement, his backhanded comment about set-pieces clearly held an air of resentment.
This, unsurprisingly, hasn’t pleased Gunners supporters.
Arsenal fans react to Arne Slot’s comments
Arsenal fans took to social media to voice their displeasure at Slot’s somewhat patronising response to Arteta’s side being crowned champions.
One fan wrote on X: “Liverpool would be 17th without set pieces this season.”
Liverpool would be 17th without set pieces this season 😹
— Sam (@xSamAFC) May 22, 2026
Another added: “40% of the goals coming from set pieces, and you’re acting like it’s cheating. A goal is a goal until your team keeps conceding them, then y’all start talking about football evolving and acting like corners ruined the sport.”
40% of the goals coming from set pieces and you’re are acting like it’s cheating. A goal is a goal until your team keeps conceding them, then y’all start talking about football evolving and acting like corners ruined the sport.
— Dr Elon (@Dr_Elon1) May 22, 2026
Meanwhile, another supporter pointed out: “Didn’t [Mo] Salah score from like 9 penalties last season?”
Didn't Salah score from like 9 penalties last season??
— 🐎jerrold (@_jkwij) May 22, 2026
One Arsenal fan simply gloated about his team being champions: “After Slot’s review… Arsenal are still Champions.”
After Slot's review… Arsenal are still Champions.
— Tim Parker (@Parkermon) May 22, 2026
Finally, one supporter simply wished Slot all the best moving forward, amid reports suggesting he’s set to be sacked as Liverpool manager: “Tell him to enjoy his last press conference as Liverpool manager. Wish him all the best.”
Tell him to enjoy his last press conference as Liverpool manager. Wish him all the best
— Frank (@GregAFC) May 22, 2026
In reality, Slot’s team only started adopting modern set-piece tactics halfway through the season, and this clearly cost the Reds. Arsenal were trailblazers in this aspect, and now they have silverware to show for it.