Tony Pulis, the former manager of Stoke City and Crystal Palace among others, is reflecting on his approach to set-pieces and how they have become more fashionable in the Premier League. In a recent column for BBC Sport, Pulis discusses his past focus on dead-ball situations and long-throws, which was initially met with criticism from some quarters.
However, he argues that his emphasis on these tactics was not unusual, even back then. "I knew back then how important they were," he says. "The most important areas of the pitch are both ends, and not in the middle." He also notes that the principle of keeping the ball out at one end and putting it into the net at the other remains unchanged.
Pulis acknowledges that his methods may have been seen as old-fashioned by some, but he is vindicated now that his approach has become more mainstream. "I was seen as a dinosaur for my focus on dead-ball situations," he writes, "but I wouldn't say I feel vindicated by the way they are now in fashion." He attributes this shift to the increasing awareness of set-piece goals among coaches and teams.
The example of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is cited as a prime illustration of how set-pieces have become an integral part of modern football. Arteta has brought in a specialist coach, Nicolas Jover, to focus on these tactics, and the results have been impressive. Pulis praises Arteta for his pragmatism and willingness to adapt his approach.
Pulis also reflects on how his own approach was initially met with criticism from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. However, he notes that Wenger has since come around to appreciating the value of set-pieces. "I can understand why he did that," Pulis writes, "it's common sense." He adds that some people were snobbish about his methods, but he and other managers like Sean Dyche have always prioritized winning.
In conclusion, Pulis' column highlights how the approach to set-pieces has evolved over time. While it may have been seen as old-fashioned in the past, this tactic is now widely recognized as a key part of modern football. As Pulis says, "Fashions change, what matters is winning."
However, he argues that his emphasis on these tactics was not unusual, even back then. "I knew back then how important they were," he says. "The most important areas of the pitch are both ends, and not in the middle." He also notes that the principle of keeping the ball out at one end and putting it into the net at the other remains unchanged.
Pulis acknowledges that his methods may have been seen as old-fashioned by some, but he is vindicated now that his approach has become more mainstream. "I was seen as a dinosaur for my focus on dead-ball situations," he writes, "but I wouldn't say I feel vindicated by the way they are now in fashion." He attributes this shift to the increasing awareness of set-piece goals among coaches and teams.
The example of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is cited as a prime illustration of how set-pieces have become an integral part of modern football. Arteta has brought in a specialist coach, Nicolas Jover, to focus on these tactics, and the results have been impressive. Pulis praises Arteta for his pragmatism and willingness to adapt his approach.
Pulis also reflects on how his own approach was initially met with criticism from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. However, he notes that Wenger has since come around to appreciating the value of set-pieces. "I can understand why he did that," Pulis writes, "it's common sense." He adds that some people were snobbish about his methods, but he and other managers like Sean Dyche have always prioritized winning.
In conclusion, Pulis' column highlights how the approach to set-pieces has evolved over time. While it may have been seen as old-fashioned in the past, this tactic is now widely recognized as a key part of modern football. As Pulis says, "Fashions change, what matters is winning."
I mean, Tony Pulis is like the OG set-piece specialist, right? He's been saying it for years, but only now is everyone else on board 
. It's like he's finally brought his 'I told you so' face to the Premier League 
. And fair play to Arsene Wenger, I guess – he's come around to appreciating set-pieces... eventually 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to win, right? 
But seriously, it's cool to see Pulis getting the recognition he deserves for his tactics. Now if only the rest of us could get our sets right without looking like a bunch of clowns 
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️. The stats are there to back it up – set-piece goals have always been a key part of the game, especially in the Premier League. It's not like Pulis was some old fogey who didn't know what he was doing. He just adapted and evolved his tactics, which is all you can ask for from any coach 
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. its not about being fashionable or whatnot, its just good footballing sense. and pulis, imo, was spot on from the start. he never wavered in his belief that dead-ball situations are key, even when everyone else was giving him grief 
. i also love how hes called out those who were snobbish about his methods - like, grow up and accept that football's not just about skill, its also about tactics and strategy 
. pulis' point about fashions changing but winning mattering more is so true...
. It's good that he's being vindicated now, but at the same time, I don't think he was completely off-base. I mean, Arsenal's success with set-pieces is proof of that 
. But what really gets me is how coaches like Mikel Arteta are finally recognizing the value of these tactics... it's about time! 
! Tony Pulis was ahead of his time with his focus on dead-ball situations and long-throws back in the day. It's sick to see Mikel Arteta's Arsenal now having a specialist coach for set-pieces and it's paying off big time 
!
people used to think my way was weird too...set pieces aren't new, they're just important now 
some managers were slow to catch on but it's nice to see everyone jumping on the bandwagon now 
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he went through some tough times when his approach was criticized but it sounds like he's being super humble about it 
mikel arteta and arsenal are a great example of this and i love how pulis is giving credit where credit is due 
. People were way too harsh on him back in the day for focusing so much on dead-ball situations. Now that teams are realizing how crucial they can be, it's cool to see Pulis being vindicated 
. It's all about adapting and evolving, right? Even Arsene Wenger came around on this one 
. It's just common sense, you know? If you can score from set pieces, why not?! 
. He just saw the value in it and moved on from his old ways 
, but hey, at least he's giving credit where credit's due 
!
. Football managers like Tony Pulis and Mikel Arteta are proof that sometimes, going against the grain can lead to success 
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I mean can you believe Tony Pulis is literally saying that he was right all along and set-pieces are still super important in the game?