GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey

Premier League leaders Arsenal have come under intense scrutiny for the aggressive manner in which they take set-pieces, a style that allegedly intimidates opponents.

Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces became a hot topic again after their 2-1 victory over Chelsea, in which all three goals came from corners.

With 16 goals scored from corners this season, the Gunners have equalled the single-season Premier League record, previously achieved by Oldham Athletic (1992–93), West Bromwich Albion (2016–17), and Arsenal (2023–24).

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Statistics show that Arsenal’s league goals consist of 58.6% from open play and 41.4% from set-pieces. In comparison, second-placed Manchester City’s goals are 84.2% from open play and just 15.8% from set-pieces.

Another point of controversy is the time Arsenal players take before executing set-pieces, which rival clubs argue disrupts the rhythm of the game and works to Arsenal’s advantage.

Complaints intensified following the Chelsea match, when Declan Rice was accused of placing the ball outside the corner arc before taking a corner kick, triggering widespread backlash.

Premier League Coaches’ Reactions

Michael Carrick (Manchester United interim boss)

Red Devils coach Carrick argued that situations inside the penalty area during set-pieces have “gone too far” and called for action.

“It wasn’t long ago we were told you couldn’t lay a hand on anyone in the box and it would be stamped out. It’s crept in… As a game, it doesn’t feel like we’ve got that balance right,” he said.

Arne Slot (Liverpool manager)

Slot said he no longer finds most Premier League games a “joy to watch,” adding that his “football heart doesn’t like” the growing emphasis on set-pieces.

Pep Guardiola (Manchester City manager)

Guardiola acknowledged set-pieces as an integral part of football, “When I was a young boy, people in England celebrated corners and free-kicks like a goal. Arsenal dictate how they do it, and it is an important aspect.”

Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton manager)

Hurzeler called for rule changes to stop Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics, “Sometimes they spend over one minute just to take a corner. There should be clear rules on how much time you can waste for a corner, throw-in, or free-kick.”

Pundits’ Reactions

Gary Neville

The former Manchester United defender praised Arsenal’s mastery of set-pieces.

“The art of the set-piece has been mastered by Arsenal. It was men against boys. It didn’t look right for Chelsea,” he noted.

Simon Jordan

The TalkSPORT pundit condemned fans who abuse Arsenal players during set-pieces, saying “Declan Rice was taking a corner, getting absolute dog’s abuse. Then Arsenal scored, and he ran away laughing at them. That’s the best way to handle it.”

Paul Scholes

The former Manchester United midfielder said that the performances of the Premier League clubs this season are underwhelming, hence no team deserves to win the title.

"Whoever wins the league, you said at the end of it, they deserve it. None of them has convinced me that they should be Premier League champions. I don’t think they should give the trophy out this year. No one deserves it. Honestly, it’s not been great to watch," he said.

Meanwhile, reports suggest football authorities are considering tweaking the rules to penalize players who engage in physical combat during set-pieces.

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