Matisse Tale, a young striker for Tottenham Hotspur, criticized the Premier League as boring, slammed the chaotic set pieces, and said he refuses to join the Spurs set-piece coaching group.
On 11 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Matisse Tale, the French forward for Tottenham Hotspur, openly criticized the Premier League's playing style as "boring" because every team focuses too much on set pieces, with some interpreting his comments as a veiled reference to Arsenal, the current league leader.
Tale candidly criticized the Premier League's style through popular streamer Zach Nani, saying, "I'll be honest, Premier League football is frustrating and really boring to watch. It's just a clash between two teams rigidly sticking to their own styles, no flair, no skillful moments like those from Vinicius or Mbappé."
"Everything feels too systematic, set pieces everywhere. Sometimes I tell the assistant coach responsible for set pieces not to make me mark anyone in such moments. It's like a zoo — everyone crowding, pushing, falling, pulling shirts. The goalkeeper can hardly come out or see anything."
Tale's remarks sparked considerable reaction because Arsenal, coached by Mikel Arteta, is the team with the most goals from set pieces this Premier League season (22 goals), while Tale's Spurs are struggling near the relegation zone with only a one-point lead above the drop line.
Football expert Michael Owen defended Arsenal, stating that Arteta's team is well-rounded and deserves credit.
"This season they have played well in almost every game. Sometimes they have to win in ugly ways, but that's what big teams have to do. They always find a way to secure victory," he said.
Currently, the "Gunners" not only lead the Premier League but also have conceded the fewest goals in the league (22 goals) and are among the three major European league teams to have scored over 100 goals across all competitions this season, alongside Bayern Munich and Barcelona.