"We didn't invent new cheeky things for set pieces, getting rid of gloves or whatever" - Klopp aims subtle dig at Mikel Arteta's Arsenal

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has aimed a subtle dig at Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. The German tactician insinuated the Gunners wasted time and invented new tactics in order to get an advantage during matches.

Klopp is set to manage his last game as Liverpool boss on Sunday, May 19 in a home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, bringing an end to a storied nine-year tenure at the club. In what has been an emotional week for the Anfield faithful, he sat down to do a fan interview with YouTubers The Redmen TV to discuss the characteristics of his squad over the years.

Klopp said (via SPORTbible):

"The rhythm the team played in, the desire we created, the greed in the team and then all of that in a really clean way... We didn't waste time, we didn't invent new cheeky things for set pieces. Getting rid of gloves or whatever and these kind of things. We didn't do that. We just tried to fight harder than other teams. It was an incredible time."

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool is renowned for their gegenpressing style of play, in which his players immediately attempt to win the ball back after losing posession. His side also emphasizes quick transitions, high intensity, and high-attacking output.

While Klopp has come under some criticism over the years for their defensive lapses, the Reds have not been accused of foul play. In contrast, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have been accused of timewasting, diving, and play-acting several times this season in the Premier League.

Moreover, Ben White was guilty of trying to loosen Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's gloves before a corner was taken during Arsenal's 3-2 win against Spurs last month. The shotstopper attempted to shake White away but the Gunners took full advantage of this distraction, finding the back of the net a few seconds later.

"Took 45 seconds over at least three free-kicks they had" - When Wolves boss Gary O'Neil accused Arsenal of time wasting

Jurgen Klopp isn't the only Premier League manager to accuse Arsenal as Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O'Neil expressed his frustrations over the Gunners' tactics back in December 2, 2023.

Mikel Arteta's side faced Wolves in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium. They took an early 2-0 lead via Bukayo Saka (6') and Martin Odegaard (13') but the deficit was halved when Matheus Cunha scored in the 86th minute.

The visitors were gaining momentum in the dying minutes of the game in their search for an equalizer but Arsenal managed their game well, by wasting as much time as possible.

A frustrated O'Neil said (via Daily Cannon):

“There was a lengthy stoppage in there and they told us we’d go to 98 minutes [it went to 98.5] but then Arsenal took 45 seconds [an average time for most sides] over at least three free-kicks they had. So, it just felt they [the officials] could have managed the time better for us and we could have got all the allotted time. I think the ball was out of play for so much of that sort of last six minutes that we got. I felt some should have been added on time.”

Despite their alleged antics, the Gunners have been sensational this season. They are currently second in the table with 86 points from 37 games, two points behind Manchester City, with the title race set to go down to the final matchday.

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