FOOTBALL
Posted on March 6, 2026 6:00 pm | Updated on March 6, 2026 6:01 pm
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit is fuming at the ‘Set Piece FC’ label. This comes after the Gunners’ tense victory over Chelsea sparked debate around their style of play. The North London side walked away with a crucial 2-1 win against the Blues. But, much of the talks quickly shifted away from the result. Instead, critics focused on how Arsenal scored and their growing reputation as a set-piece machine.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal With A Huge Derby Win
Arsenal took another important step in their Premier League title race. This comes after the Gunners earned a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. It was not the most controlled football game from Mikel Arteta’s side. But, it was effective for their potential league triumph.
Both Arsenal goals arrived from corner routines. Defender William Saliba opened the scoring in the first half. He rose highest inside the box before the ball deflected off Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr into the net. The home crowd erupted as their side got early momentum in a tense London derby.
Meanwhile, Chelsea managed to stay competitive throughout the game. The visitors found an equaliser through a set-piece situation of their own before the break. That kept the match finely balanced heading into the second half. However, the Gunners’ strength from corners struck again after the half-time.
Declan Rice delivered a precise corner and Jurrien Timber placed in a key header to restore the lead. That goal eventually proved enough to seal three points for the league leaders.
The Blues’ task became even tougher when Pedro Neto was sent off. The winger was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession. Despite the numerical advantage, Arsenal still faced a nervous finish as Liam Delap briefly thought he had scored a late equaliser. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled it out.
Emmanuel Petit Fires Back At ‘Set Piece FC’ Criticism
Ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit did not hide his frustration when reacting to media coverage following Arsenal’s latest win. Speaking on a talk show, the former midfielder criticised what he believes is a constant attempt to disregard the team’s achievements.
Petit said: “(They) always try to give negative comments, never see the positive side. Never try to find something positive.
“It’s like seeing the empty glass or the full glass. It’s always the same old story.”
He argued that the talks should focus on Arsenal collecting three points during a key stage of the season. Instead, headlines quickly trolled the team with the label ‘Set Piece FC’.
He added: “I read the newspaper this morning. It’s kind of negative, you know? It’s like: ‘Set Piece FC’, things like this.
“But at the end of the day, it’s three points. I mean, just say it.
“I get angry because it’s like watching the news, you know?
“You have ten news. It’s always about nine bad news, all the time.
“Fears sell newspapers and fears bring people in front of the TV.
“You know, there is beauty in this world. There is beauty in football. And sometimes you can be honest and say some positive things.”
Record-Breaking Corners Fuel Gunners’ Season
The derby result has strengthened Arsenal’s title hopes. But, the discussion is quickly shifted toward the way they won the game. Once again, the spotlight fell on their dominance from corner kicks. The north London club have now scored 16 goals from corners in the league this campaign. That tally equals the record for the most goals scored from corners in a single season.
The achievement places them alongside Oldham Athletic in the 1992-93 season and West Bromwich Albion in 2016-17. With several matches still remaining, Arsenal might break the record.
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