Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says set-pieces have once again become a major weapon in the Premier League, comparing the current trend to the physical, direct style of Tony Pulis’ Stoke City era.

According to Guardiola, clubs are now using long throw-ins, aggressive aerial duels, and corner-kick routines to unsettle opponents and gain an edge in matches.

“Every throw-in is like a corner now — ten players in the box,” he said. “We felt it when we played Brentford. Even watching them against Liverpool in the hotel, every ball Kayode threw caused danger — and he was man of the match.”

Recent Premier League data backs his claim, with nearly 19% of goals this season coming from corners — the highest in years and significantly above the average.

Guardiola praised managers who have mastered the art of direct play and second-ball tactics, referencing Sean Dyche, Sam Allardyce, and Stoke City’s famous long-throw threat under Pulis.

“These things aren’t new,” he said. “Dyche at Burnley, Allardyce, and of course Stoke City — their throw-ins were incredible. The difference now is more teams are doing it.”

He added that English football has long carried a reputation for physical, aerial battles — something he recalled hearing even while managing Barcelona and Bayern Munich. “Wenger used to talk about going to Stoke — now that challenge is everywhere,” Guardiola noted.