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Posted on March 4, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on March 4, 2026 5:42 pm
Arsenal’s recent victories have sparked intense discussion on their success from set pieces. This comes particularly after their 2-1 win over Chelsea where both goals came from corners. Manager Mikel Arteta didn’t hold back in responding to the idea that his team is overly dependent on dead-ball situations.
Arsenal Tops Set-Piece Charts But Faces Backlash
**Arsenal**’s set-piece record this season has been impressive. The Gunners have scored 16 goals from corners in the Premier League campaign, as per reports. They have tied the single-season record and placed them at the forefront of this trend. Critics have labelled this focus a sign of a lack of creativity in open play. They are arguing that games have become less entertaining as a result.
Opposing managers like Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler have even pointed to time-wasting tactics during corners. This suggests that the current rules allow teams to slow the rhythm of play to their advantage.
The north London side’s success from set pieces has become a broader debate in the Premier League. Some see it as smart preparation and tactical intelligence. Even former players and pundits have weighed in, with some calling Arsenal ‘Set Piece FC’. In addition, others are calling them as potential ‘ugliest’ champions if their route to the title relies too heavily on dead balls.
Mikel Arteta Wants To Top The Corner Standings
Head coach Mikel Arteta commented on the recent criticism. He did not try to defend the tactic but he highlighted the impact across all parts of football. He said:
“I’m upset that we don’t score more and that we concede as well. We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game. That’s the trajectory and the aim of this team. As a club we want to be the same.
“The game is evolving and the game is becoming more and more difficult. Now teams are adapting. Teams know after every sequence of play exactly what they have to do. Everything is almost man-to-man. So it’s going to be a different game unless we change the rules because the evolution of the game is that.”
“I was really upset the way we conceded a goal against Chelsea and look at the quality they have, the amount of set-pieces they score.
“Manchester United is doing so well, the same. I was at Man City, (we) used to work a lot on them. So it’s something. There are phases and there are moments when a team has an opportunity to do certain things.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has highlighted that his own team scores far fewer set-piece goals. He believes his side values different attacking patterns. But, he rejected the idea that Arsenal would be undeserving champions because of their approach.
What This Means For Arsenal’s Title Chase?
Currently, Arsenal sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League. That is a position built on consistency and on their efficiency from corners and free-kicks. Arteta’s comments come with an honest tone of a manager who isn’t just defending his team. But, he is also signalling that he wants more from them.
This season’s set-piece success has given the Gunners a clear edge. The ongoing talks highlights how modern football is changing very quickly. Whether fans like it or debate about it, time will tell if this approach leads to titles.
If Arsenal do lift the PL trophy, the argument will shift for sure. The criticism will turn in to acknowledgement of where the margins of victory were found. In the end, Arteta’s message was about embracing excellence in every phase of this sport. He wants his team to adapt intelligently and pursue success on their own terms.
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