Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years did not win over every neutral, but it won over Tom Brady.
Mikel Arteta’s side were crowned champions in May, and the manner of it drew plenty of grumbling. A defense-first team built on corners and dead-ball routines, the Gunners were written off in many quarters as dull to watch.
Brady sees it differently. The greatest quarterback in NFL history built his own career around set plays — and the seven-time Super Bowl winner has a particular appreciation for what Arteta put together. He made that clear during an appearance on Stick to Football.
Tom Brady on Arsenal’s set-piece dominance
Arsenal have been the Premier League’s best on set-pieces for a while now, but they took it to a new level last season. The Gunners scored 19 goals from corners in 38 games — a competition record beating the previous best of 16.
Opponents knew exactly what was coming and still could not deal with it. Paired with the best defense in the league, the dead-ball threat carried Arteta’s team to the title.
Brady touched on that strength sitting alongside Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on Stick To Football.
Drawing a comparison with his own sport, the former New England Patriots star said: “I would say American football, and again, you guys can educate me, it’s a very tactical game. There’s set plays every play. Every play is a set piece. So if your set pieces are better than theirs, you’re at a big advantage.”
Wright, a lifelong Arsenal fan, was quick to respond: “Thank you, Tom. Thank you.”
Neville gestured toward Wright and spelled out the link: “Arsenal fan — they’ve just won the league with set-pieces.”
Brady’s verdict on the champions was simple: “They’ve been phenomenal.”
For all his admiration, though, Brady was not on Arsenal’s side for the season’s biggest night.
When the Gunners met Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest, the Birmingham City co-owner was backing the French side, who edged it on penalties to retain the trophy. Brady has become “a huge PSG soccer fan,” according to Marca.
Even so, the respect for what Arteta built clearly runs deep.
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