Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel has delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of the Premier League, branding it "boring to watch" due to a growing tactical emphasis on set-pieces and disruptive strategies. The French attacker's comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Arsenal's effective use of dead-ball situations this season.
Tel's Brutal Critique of Modern Football
Speaking candidly on the Zack Nani Foot & Live podcast, Tel expressed his frustration with the diminishing spectacle in English top-flight matches. "I'll tell you the truth, yes, it's not exciting," Tel stated. "It's boring to watch. It's really just a clash between two teams with their own ideas. There's less spectacle."
The Tottenham star contrasted the Premier League's approach with the more flamboyant styles seen elsewhere, noting the absence of "Vinicius pulling off a sombrero, dribbling past you, no Kylian [Mbappe] accelerating past you." Instead, Tel described English football as "more structured, maybe too much so, with clear ideas, all the set pieces, little details that can sometimes make the difference."
Arsenal's Set-Piece Dominance Under Scrutiny
Tel's criticism directly relates to Arsenal's tactical approach this season, with the Gunners having established themselves as the Premier League's most effective team from dead-ball situations. Mikel Arteta's side have scored 19 goals from set-pieces this campaign - more than any other team - as they pursue their first domestic title in over two decades.
The Tottenham forward revealed he has personally resisted involvement in set-piece marking duties, describing the penalty area during corners and free-kicks as "a zoo in the box." Tel explained: "We're all bunched together, everyone's pushing, knocking each other to the ground, holding onto each other. Forget it. The goalkeeper can no longer get out, he can no longer see."
Growing Criticism of Premier League Entertainment Value
Tel joins a growing chorus of voices questioning the entertainment quality in the Premier League this season. Former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot have previously expressed similar concerns about the tactical direction of English football.
Arsenal's set-piece proficiency has made them a particular target for criticism in recent weeks, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler among those questioning their approach. However, Gunners midfielder Declan Rice has defended his team's tactics, telling The i Paper: "It comes from us, the way we set up and then everyone talks about it and then everyone does it - so it's confusing! But they're not doing it to the level that we do it."
The debate highlights a growing tension in modern football between tactical efficiency and entertainment value, with Tel's comments representing the most direct criticism yet from an active Premier League player about the direction the league is taking.
