Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich claims Arsenal play an anti-football style of play and believes they ‘rely on set pieces’.
Arsenal ‘Rely On Set Pieces’ Says Bayern Munich Star
Joshua Kimmich believes Arsenal ‘rely on set pieces’ despite their convincing 3-1 win over his Bayern Munich side on Matchday 5 of the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners, who are known to be strong from set-play situations, took the lead against the previously undefeated Bavarians through Jurrien Timber heading home from a corner.
Lennart Karl swiftly responded for the visitors with his second Champions League goal in just his second start, before second half goals from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory for Mikel Arteta’s Premier League table-toppers.
Following the full-time whistle, an unhappy Kimmich was questioned about whether Arsenal are the toughest team he and his Bayern Munich teammates have faced thus far this year.
In a strong response, the German stated that Paris Saint-Germain, whom they defeated 2-1 on MD4, were a tougher opponent and suggested that Arsenal’s style of play is anti-football.
“I think PSG were a tougher opponent, especially the way they play football,” he said.
“Arsenal is completely different. They rely on set pieces. They love to play the long balls. They love to fight for the second balls. So it’s a completely different game.
“Against PSG, it’s more of a football game. Today [vs Arsenal] was not so much about football. It was more about game management and the duels. Arsenal did this really well.”
Kimmich qui dit en interview dâaprĂšs match que le match face au psg Ă©tait plus difficile que celui de arsenal âšâš pic.twitter.com/GetEGBInxl
â ïœïœïœïœïœïœđčđł (@jayjay12221) November 27, 2025
Of course, much has already been said about Arsenal’s qualities from set pieces this term, but only one of their goals against the Bavarians actually came from a set-play situation.
Their second goal came courtesy of a well-placed cross from Riccardo Calafiori, tapped in by Madueke, while Martinelli’s winner came as a result of a quick counter-attack.
Therefore, to suggest that they ‘rely’ on set pieces could be considered unfair.
It comes off the back of Arteta’s men fighting back against the ‘Set Piece FC’ tag placed upon them, with Arsenal now leading the Premier League with the most open play goals in November.
Even so, they lead with a league high of 50% of their goals this term coming via set pieces.
Arsenal Move Clear At Top Of Champions League Table
Thanks to their win over Bayern, Arsenal have moved three points clear at the top of the league phase table and are now the only side remaining in the competition with a perfect record.
They have now won five out of five, with PSG, Bayern, Inter Milan and Real Madrid following them in the table on 12 points apiece. They each boast a record of four wins and one defeat.
The Gunners are now assured of at least an unseeded play-off spot with three games to go.
Arsenal travel to Club Brugge on MD6 in around two weeks’ time, before rounding off their league phase campaign with fixtures against Inter Milan and Kairat Almaty later in January.
Arteta’s men also lead as the favourites in the Champions League winner betting odds market.
Domestically, they return to action against Chelsea in the English top-flight on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka and co are currently six points clear at the top of the table, with the Blues sitting in second, but recent projections suggest Arsenal are set to win the Premier League title with the lowest points total since Leicester in 2015/16.
