Arsenal showcased their set-piece prowess once again with a narrow 2-1 victory over Chelsea, reinforcing their position at the top of the Premier League by a five-point margin. Though the Gunners did not perform at their finest, the well-executed corner routines proved decisive in a tightly contested match.
Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces has become a significant factor in their title aspirations, with the team scoring 16 goals from corners this season—three more than any other club. This impressive tally matches the record for the most corner goals in a single Premier League season, previously set by Oldham in 1992-93, West Brom in 2016-17, and themselves earlier this season.
William Saliba opened the scoring by heading in from Gabriel’s initial corner header. Later, Jurrien Timber extended the lead with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s delivery, marking his third league goal of the campaign.
In addition to holding the top spot in the Premier League, Arsenal boasts a perfect record in the Champions League, has advanced to the Carabao Cup final, and is through to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Despite these achievements, questions remain regarding the team’s overall performance.
Former Blackburn Rovers player Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, noted the recurring reliance on set-pieces, assessing Arsenal’s success with a hint of skepticism regarding their playing style. “If they get over the line – will they be the ugliest Premier League-winning team in history?” he pondered.
Patrick Vieira, a former Arsenal captain, emphasized the higher expectations for a team leading both the Champions League and Premier League, suggesting that fans anticipate a more dynamic style of play from the Gunners.
In response, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his squad’s approach, noting that adapting to the game’s demands, particularly against a rival like Chelsea, is essential. He described the match as an intricate and quality-filled contest where small margins determined the outcome.
Leon Osman, a former Everton midfielder, reiterated the effectiveness of Arsenal’s set-piece strategy, agreeing that if it continues to be a strength, it should be fully utilized.
As Arsenal continues their campaign, their ability to maximize set-pieces offers a silver lining amid concerns over their overall performance, showcasing a blend of tactical acumen that could propel them to greater successes this season.