The Athletic has studied the data on set-pieces in the Premier League amid plenty of media talk surrounding Arsenal's dominance in this area. The results are, perhaps, slightly surprising, with the Gunners not ranked as the strongest side in England's top flight.
Mikel Arteta's side, whose set-pieces are led by Nicolas Jover, have come under scrutiny for the number of set-piece goals they have scored this season. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo even suggested back in January that Arsenal's 'only hope is corners', and despite them being top of the Premier League table, they are still receiving criticism.
Set-pieces have become a huge part of modern football, with the idea of a designated set-piece coach only introduced recently. Arsenal are using it to their advantage, but it turns out that Manchester United are the more effective side.
Man Utd Top Set-Piece Study
Michael Carrick
A study from The Athletic showed that it is, in fact, Manchester United who are the most effective side from set-pieces this season, not Arsenal. Per 100 set-pieces, United have scored eight goals, whereas Arsenal rank in second with 7.3.
Although the Gunners might have scored more goals from set-piece situations than United this season, they aren't as effective, with Michael Carrick's side scoring more per set-piece opportunity.
United and Arsenal fans certainly won't care where their goals have come from and how they occur, but it's certainly interesting data nonetheless. For all the criticism Arsenal have received, many would have expected them to lead the way in this recent study, but it's United who come out on top.
Set-Piece Criticism Unfair
nicolas jover mikel arteta
As mentioned, it doesn't matter how the ball ends up in the back of the net, and if anything, clubs like United and Arsenal should be praised for their ability from set-pieces. A header from a corner counts as much as a 40-yard screamer, and it takes plenty of preparation, skill, and organisation to deliver so consistently from dead-ball situations.
Football works in cycles, and it won't be long before another way of playing and scoring goals will become the trendy option, but for now, it's set-pieces that are dominating the game, and subsequently, discussions in the media too.
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