Emmanuel Petit hits back at Jurgen Klopp over Arsenal set-piece comments

Add as preferred source on Google

Jurgen Klopp bringing Arsenal into the conversation following Germany’s World Cup exit did not sit well with Emmanuel Petit.

The World Cup has been a frustrating watch for some of Europe’s traditional heavyweights, with Germany the most notable big name to fall at the first knockout hurdle.

Klopp, working as a pundit in Germany for the tournament, was clearly stung by the manner of the defeat.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Arsenal midfielder was told of Klopp’s comments after Jonathan Tah’s extra-time goal against Paraguay was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

🏆 Which Arsenal star will go the furthest at this summer’s World Cup?

Zubimendi and Spain? Saka and England? Saliba and France?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Klopp had argued that if that goal shouldn’t stand, then Arsenal shouldn’t have won the Premier League, given how physical Mikel Arteta’s side were from set-pieces.

Petit was not impressed.”Why are you putting Arsenal on the table?” he asked. “We’re talking about the World Cup.

“Because I have no idea, no clue why he links what happened yesterday with Arsenal.”

Petit then explained why Klopp’s comparison doesn’t hold up. “The rules during the World Cup, international games are not exactly what you can expect of English games.

“Referees here in the Premier League are not the same as when you come into the World Cup or European competition.”

There is a reason VAR decisions look so different at World Cups

We have seen during this World Cup that refereeing tends to be stricter on contact in the box, especially at set-pieces.

Challenges on the goalkeeper and any blocking of movement are more likely to be penalised than in the Premier League, where officials have generally allowed more physical contact.

Klopp is clearly frustrated that Germany have crashed out of the World Cup, such are the fine margins of knockout football.

But bringing Arsenal into it is, frankly, a little bizarre and Petit rightly pushed back on the comparison.

The former World Cup winner played for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000, making 118 appearances and winning four trophies, including the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season.