Mikel Arteta fully leans into Arsenal’s Set-Piece FC identity after securing a 2-1 win over Chelsea
Arteta and Arsenal have fully leaned into their identity as the Premier League’s most dangerous Set-Piece FC.
In a league where everyone is looking for a tactical edge, the Gunners have turned the humble corner kick into a terrifying weapon of mass destruction. Their 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that ugly points are the fuel for a genuine title charge, even if it leaves some critics turning up their noses.
The numbers are reaching historic levels. With headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber sealing the three points at the Emirates, Arsenal has now netted 16 goals from corners this season. This achievement equals the all-time Premier League record previously held by Oldham and West Bromwich Albion.
The teams to score the most goals from corners in a season:
Arsenal 2025/26
West Brom 2016/17
Oldham 1992/93— Premier League (@premierleague) March 1, 2026
Arteta’s Dead-Ball Delight
Mikel Arteta showed no signs of being bothered by the set-piece FC label after the match.
In fact, he seemed to welcome it, acknowledging that being dominant in individual duels is a necessity in the modern game. After a minor wobble that saw some questioning their momentum, successive wins over Tottenham and Chelsea have put the Gunners five points clear at the top.
For Arteta, the ability to find different ways to win is exactly what a team needs to stay in the hunt for a historic quadruple.
The manager was quick to point out that Arsenal has been on the receiving end of dead-ball heartbreak recently, particularly through long throws. He viewed Sunday’s clinical performance as a much-needed correction.
With Manchester City still looming in the rearview mirror with a game in hand, Arteta knows that these specialized routines are often the only thing that can break a deadlock in high-pressure London derbies.
Saturday: @ManCity beat Leeds to go just two points behind Arsenal
Sunday: @Arsenal beat Chelsea to regain their five-point lead
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 1, 2026
However, the ugliness of the victory didn’t sit well with everyone. Former striker Chris Sutton was particularly vocal, suggesting that if Arsenal does manage to cross the finish line in May, they might be the ugliest Premier League winners in the history of the competition. Arteta dismissed these concerns, choosing instead to focus on his team’s “willingness and attitude” to be dominant in every phase of the game as they enter the business end of the season.
Rosenior’s Grappling Grievances
On the other side of the touchline, Liam Rosenior was left to rue another defensive lapse. Despite implementing a new scheme specifically designed to stop Arsenal’s corner-kick barrage, Chelsea still conceded twice from set-plays.
The stats are becoming a nightmare for the new Blues boss; Chelsea has conceded nine goals from set-pieces in his first 13 matches, with five of those coming directly against the Gunners. Rosenior admitted the situation is costing his side vital points in the race for Europe.
The Chelsea manager also raised a tactical and legal complaint regarding Arsenal’s approach. He pointed to the holding and grappling that occurs before the ball is even delivered, arguing that referees need to address the gray area where fouls aren’t called because the ball isn’t yet in play.
Rosenior suggested that teams like Arsenal have perfected the art of blocking goalkeepers and defenders in a way that pushes the boundaries of the rules, essentially calling for a shift in how these battles are officiated.
Beyond the tactical frustrations, Rosenior was also forced to address his team’s worsening discipline. Pedro Neto was sent off for two bookings in the second half, adding to a disciplinary record that the manager described as something they must eradicate immediately.
